Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
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Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings
I am getting ready to replace my door hinge pins and bushings (before my wife slams them and breaks the doors). Any good suggestions on how to do this with minimal loss of finger skin and paint??
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (79 Midnight Blue L82)
the good news is that your local Chevy dealer should have these in stock in plenty of quantity and it isn't that difficult.
Before you do this, I would suggest taping some duct tape to the edges of your door and fender, nearest the hinges. That way if you have an accident you may luck out and not chip the paint. You will want a helper and a steady hand since you will be tapping these pins out with a punch. Take the pins out and then use a drift or punch to drive the bushings out. Note which way they come out so you can replace them. For some reason, taking them out is easier than getting them in. When we put new pins and bushings in my friend's 73, we filed the head of the pin off into a "D" shape to facilitate them going back in. Made the installation much easier. The D shape allows you to fit the pin in and not worry about hitting the paint.
Gary
Before you do this, I would suggest taping some duct tape to the edges of your door and fender, nearest the hinges. That way if you have an accident you may luck out and not chip the paint. You will want a helper and a steady hand since you will be tapping these pins out with a punch. Take the pins out and then use a drift or punch to drive the bushings out. Note which way they come out so you can replace them. For some reason, taking them out is easier than getting them in. When we put new pins and bushings in my friend's 73, we filed the head of the pin off into a "D" shape to facilitate them going back in. Made the installation much easier. The D shape allows you to fit the pin in and not worry about hitting the paint.
Gary
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,825
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From: Shawano WI
Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (79 Midnight Blue L82)
Also the new pins are longer than they need to be. If you cut them of so they are only as long as they need to be it will make it easier for them to go in.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Hampton Georgia
Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (Pete79L82)
Also the new pins are longer than they need to be. If you cut them of so they are only as long as they need to be it will make it easier for them to go in.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (paintdaddy)
Definitely take the doors off the hinges. Remove the door panels to do this. DON'T attempt to change the pins/bushings with the doors hanging on the hinges. You'll create tremendous problems for yourself if you try it that way. Chuck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
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Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (Chuck Gongloff)
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping to do this without taking the doors off, but, the consensus tells me otherwise. Guess this will be a winter project now instead of an evening job. I still will be driving my car a bit more before putting her to bed for the year and I don't want to get into anything that might crimp my opportunities to drive her on nice days/evenings.
Racer
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 382
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From: Long Beach CA
Re: Replacing Door Hinge Pins and Bushings (79 Midnight Blue L82)
I agree with everything said above. You will need a helper, and you will need to take the door off at the door side of the hinge. But it could be an evening job if you start with a clear head :lol:
