Has anyone out there ever repaired the upper & lower door hinges? I've done several searches on the forum and turned up no advice. I believe the bushings in my hinges are worn because my door drops when opened. Standing at the rear of the door and lifting up I get some vertical movement. I purchased a kit from NAPA (guy behind counter recommended) but the brass bushing in this kit almost fell thru the hole in the bracket where the original bushing were installed. Please anyone some advice! Thanks!!

 

I have a 99 , and both my doors "pop" half way open. I'm searching for an answer as well. Good luck

 

I've never done them on a Vette, but I have on a few other cars. These can be a PITA for a do-it-yourselfer because the doors are heavy and hard to line up by yourself. On some cars the springs are a real PITA to work with unless you have the especialty tool. Before you do all this, look at the striker in the door (round horizontal "bar" in the door frame on the car). Is the top surface wearing any? Is the paint gone off it? When your door is closed, does it line up with the body lines normally? Answers to these questions will tell you if the bushing needs to be replaced at all.

In any event, the bushing should not just "drop in" like you described. You should have to knock the old ones out with a punch and hammer and hammer in the new ones. Sounds like the ones you have a the wrong size. You should also replace the pins with the bushings. You also need to look very carefully at things. When I did our 96 full size truck doors, I discovered that there are two different bushing sizes; one hinge used larger diamter bushings than the other. Make sure you are trying to put the correct bushing in the right location.

I'd recommend taking it to a reputable body shop and have them do the work. They have the tools experience doing these things and can get it done quickly. If you really want to do it yourself, then at least get a couple of people to help you. You will need help holding/supporting the door while you remove the pins and bushings.

For the "popping noise" while opening, the first thing I would try is lubing the hinges and stuff. If look at the hinge assembly, you will see a horizontal metal piece that looks like it has two small metal "wheels" on it. As you open and close the door, these "wheels" roll over a metal bar. This is what helps hold the door open part way - you can feel it "slightly lock" as you open and close the door. Put some lube in the center of the wheels to make them "spin" more freely. This may take care of your "pop". For Lube you can use GM's "white grease". Or, call Bob at Fichtner Chevy (forum supporter) and get the name of the spray grease he recommends - you can find it locally. I can't remember the name of it, but it works very well, but doesn't attract dust.

Hope this helps.....

 

www.gmpartshouse.com has the hinges for just under $100 per door, this way you have 2 new factory hinges without the aggravation.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

 

Guys and Gals, you must lube the door hinges often to prevent this from happening (or at least delay hinge pin wear for as long as possible).

This is a much over looked maintenance item.

Use a good modern spray lube with Teflon. This type of long lasting lube will penetrate to where it is most needed.

 

Thanks to everyone thus far for your response.

Unfortunately, I can't help but think that someone has to sell a repair kit??