Sagging outer door handle flap
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Sagging outer door handle flap
Has anyone repaired their sagging outer door handle flap by replacing it with the spring that can be purchased from vendors or have one opted for the flimsy replacement "spring" that does not work in place of the regular spring?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
I tried getting a new spring for mine and was told that they are getting away from the original design because that flap of steel works so good. The old springs are obsolete.It never worked for Me. I would try wilcox or Zip or Corvette Central for proper spring. The handle will have to be removed to replace spring though. You may be able to get a similar spring from local hardware store, someone posted something about that on here somewhere.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I doubt that you can find a spring of that configuration, size and strength at a local hardware store. But, you could make one out of a 'regular' local-store spring by cutting it down to the right length, then unwinding [about] one coil from each end. I would buy the right spring if I could locate a source (maybe buy two and save the other for the second door!).
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The issue with the outer door handle is not really the spring and in most cases its what the handle is made from. I'll explain.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=15301
The hinge pin on the door handle is a steel pin, the lid on the door handle is a soft pot metal with a chromed finish. The center holes in the handle lid will wear out over time from the steel pin wearing against the soft metal. Evidence of this is a lid that drags the side and/or the bottom of the inner handle cup!
Once they get to this point adding a "Helper" Spring to the handle may offer a little more life but it's only as good as the condition of the hinge it's helping. Of the lid is dragging then there is a good chance the hinge of the lid is worn out!
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=15301
The hinge pin on the door handle is a steel pin, the lid on the door handle is a soft pot metal with a chromed finish. The center holes in the handle lid will wear out over time from the steel pin wearing against the soft metal. Evidence of this is a lid that drags the side and/or the bottom of the inner handle cup!
Once they get to this point adding a "Helper" Spring to the handle may offer a little more life but it's only as good as the condition of the hinge it's helping. Of the lid is dragging then there is a good chance the hinge of the lid is worn out!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,561
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
The issue with the outer door handle is not really the spring and in most cases its what the handle is made from. I'll explain.
The hinge pin on the door handle is a steel pin, the lid on the door handle is a soft pot metal with a chromed finish. The center holes in the handle lid will wear out over time from the steel pin wearing against the soft metal. Evidence of this is a lid that drags the side and/or the bottom of the inner handle cup!
The hinge pin on the door handle is a steel pin, the lid on the door handle is a soft pot metal with a chromed finish. The center holes in the handle lid will wear out over time from the steel pin wearing against the soft metal. Evidence of this is a lid that drags the side and/or the bottom of the inner handle cup!
It still works just fine years later.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Oh.. you can fix the old handles, but it's not worth the time. Doing a door handle replacement is really not all that hard.
The flip top or "Helper" spring is only a band aide for the inevitable!
W
The flip top or "Helper" spring is only a band aide for the inevitable!
W
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
I am not sure this is sagging door handle problem - but my door handle it sticking up too far. Just a little that it is noticeable and you can tell when you go to open it as well.
Is there a fix? or does this just happen once it gets worn out etc..
thanks
Mark
Is there a fix? or does this just happen once it gets worn out etc..
thanks
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mark,
There are 2 'flags' that are part of the flapper that act as 'stops' for the flapper. If the 'flags' are missing or very worn, or if the pin the flapper pivots on is very worn, I guess it could allow the flapper to rise above the bezel on the body of the handle.
If the 'flags' are there and the handle is otherwise good I'd think a little shim could be glued to the flags to regulate where it sits relative to the bezel.
Be careful about buying new handles... there are some real junk handles available.
Regards,
Alan
There are 2 'flags' that are part of the flapper that act as 'stops' for the flapper. If the 'flags' are missing or very worn, or if the pin the flapper pivots on is very worn, I guess it could allow the flapper to rise above the bezel on the body of the handle.
If the 'flags' are there and the handle is otherwise good I'd think a little shim could be glued to the flags to regulate where it sits relative to the bezel.
Be careful about buying new handles... there are some real junk handles available.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, nc usa NC
Hi Mark,
There are 2 'flags' that are part of the flapper that act as 'stops' for the flapper. If the 'flags' are missing or very worn, or if the pin the flapper pivots on is very worn, I guess it could allow the flapper to rise above the bezel on the body of the handle.
If the 'flags' are there and the handle is otherwise good I'd think a little shim could be glued to the flags to regulate where it sits relative to the bezel.
Be careful about buying new handles... there are some real junk handles available.
Regards,
Alan
There are 2 'flags' that are part of the flapper that act as 'stops' for the flapper. If the 'flags' are missing or very worn, or if the pin the flapper pivots on is very worn, I guess it could allow the flapper to rise above the bezel on the body of the handle.
If the 'flags' are there and the handle is otherwise good I'd think a little shim could be glued to the flags to regulate where it sits relative to the bezel.
Be careful about buying new handles... there are some real junk handles available.
Regards,
Alan
Mark
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
Bought a more expensive but much higher quality one from Wilcox and it works like a champ!
