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Dunno, can't see, dunno where to look, that cogged wheel on the end seems to have not moved....but with the seldom use of the pass side, I can't trust comparisons.....I have never had either door off the frame, in 25 years now....it aligns just fine, no slop in the hinges, opens/closes/latches just fine....
I see the top of what looks like an S spring, but I assume I need remove entire hinge to get at it....
The S spring can be removed without removing the hinge (and screwing up the alignment), check that video I posted and you can see where it should be.
M
Looks like you can bend up an old screwdriver to make an "installation tool"
I seem to recall buying a new spring way back when I first bought the car and found out that it didn't need it, probably still in a box somewhere, I should check
M
Looks like you can bend up an old screwdriver to make an "installation tool"
I seem to recall buying a new spring way back when I first bought the car and found out that it didn't need it, probably still in a box somewhere, I should check
M
Oh well, already on order, next week ten bux I have a bent screwdriver.....1/2 inch blade and about 2' long....many times a lifesaver.....thanks man....
I am afraid that the small cog on the top hinge may be the problem. The small cig is what holes the door open and provides resistance. My drivers door cog looks pretty worn, where as the passenger side is in good shape and the door stays open. After looking through various catalogs, it appears that the cog comes on new set of hinges. Removing the hinges seems to be a job that I can’t do alone, so I will live with the door not staying open. I would like to hear if changing the S spring helps to keep you door open.
Just now got the spring out, and it was broken, the bottom U leg that goes into the bottom divot was broken off, strange that it was still in/on the door hinge....the top curve of the S was of course hooked in place but loose of course..... interesting comment on that 2-1/8 length on the bottom of the S....will check the new and see what the old one was.....
When you get your new spring, can you take a picture of both ends, I want to check something
M
Mooser, does this help? mrvette started his thread the day after I ordered mine from Corvette Central.
Just got it today. I can take more photos if you'd like.
I have a spring here that was manufactured by a company that seems to be long gone and on the package it says "specially designed to alleviate a defect in the original door hinge spring assembly" and is patented so I was trying to see what was different than on a "stock" spring
This one has a notch near the end of the short end
and the flat on the long end is not on the side but it's on the inside surface
The patent statesMy method contemplates a replacement spring of the kind in question which is structured so that it eliminates the cause for the breakage of the original springs and has single keeper notch adapting the spring for the use on either the left or right hand door.
The spring of the invention is a wire form having the same S-shaped configuration as the original equipment spring except it has the improvements of special keeper notch on the top bent section which conditions the spring for use in either a left or right hand door and a clearance foot on the end of the lower bent section which corrects the problem causing breakage of the original spring by providing clearance for the end of the spring to move without binding on the walls of the rear keeper slot.
Seems like it could be done on a normal spring in a couple of minutes with a grinder...
Thanks for the picture, couldn't see it on mine while it's on the car
M
When you get your new spring, can you take a picture of both ends, I want to check something
M
Here go, got it yesterday, and find it tough to install, not used to it, fender glass seems to sag too far down to let spring go in vertically, it looks like a purrfect fit.....but tried a few times, can't get it in right....hate to pull the dash, and it's cold out there, damnit.....so may just try removing door and go from there...damnit.....
Looks like you can bend up an old screwdriver to make an "installation tool"
I seem to recall buying a new spring way back when I first bought the car and found out that it didn't need it, probably still in a box somewhere, I should check
M
If you have a pry-bar it works. The problem with my drivers door is the rollers are worn out and need replacing. The S springs I installed helped a little but my drivers door still close too easily. I need new hinges so I'll just live with it.
Here go, got it yesterday, and find it tough to install, not used to it, fender glass seems to sag too far down to let spring go in vertically, it looks like a purrfect fit.....but tried a few times, can't get it in right....hate to pull the dash, and it's cold out there, damnit.....so may just try removing door and go from there...damnit.....
I replaced both of mine in about 30 minutes. I don't know if I did anything special. I thought it was going to be a pain but was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. I used the video posted (or one like it, I'm old and can't remember things too well anymore lol).
I think the notch is to keep the spring from moving down in it's pocket over time. My original drivers spring was down so low the bottom was almost out of its groove at the bottom.
If you have a pry-bar it works. The problem with my drivers door is the rollers are worn out and need replacing. The S springs I installed helped a little but my drivers door still close too easily. I need new hinges so I'll just live with it.
'72 upper driver hinge....
