Door hinge spring replacement

[Kurt G.]

I have a slightly lazy door hinge spring. It holds the door open all the way just fine, but with a slight incline the door won't hold in the mid open position. The spring is still in the hinge. Can anyone tell me an easy, or maybe not too difficult way to replace my lazy spring? Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I have a slightly lazy door hinge spring. It holds the door open all the way just fine, but with a slight incline the door won't hold in the mid open position. The spring is still in the hinge. Can anyone tell me an easy, or maybe not too difficult way to replace my lazy spring? Thanks.

Kurt------


Personally, I've never seen a "lazy" spring. Usually, they are either broken or they are not. If they are not broken, they should work. However, the spring acts against a "star wheel". Your "star wheel" could be broken or worn. I don't know of any way to replace the "star wheel" other than to replace the hinge.

[Don L.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I have a slightly lazy door hinge spring. It holds the door open all the way just fine, but with a slight incline the door won't hold in the mid open position. The spring is still in the hinge. Can anyone tell me an easy, or maybe not too difficult way to replace my lazy spring? Thanks.

I think (actually, I'm pretty sure) I have a published copy of the step-by-step instructions on my home computer. I'll look and post when I find it later. Hope this will help.

[Don L.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I think (actually, I'm pretty sure) I have a published copy of the step-by-step instructions on my home computer. I'll look and post when I find it later. Hope this will help.

I have not found my file on the home computer but did find some good info during a search here this evening. Have a look at these clips.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-tech-performance/1685303-1980-door-spring.html

http://content.madirect.com/pdf/602095.pdf

Search archives on this board and see more on CF tech board. A few tips that I saw were:
- Use some grease to help in the assy.
- Be sure to use the designed tool (or a home made version of same)
- Don't pry too hard. Broken fiberglass could result.

[Michael G.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I don't believe there is such a thing as an easy way. You should start off with the special bent screwdriver sold by many distributors or the equivilent homemade device. Finding the right position of "open" on the door is something I remember. There is also a critical position of the spring that is difficult to obtain because the spring is floppy until you start to apply the pressure. It must be located so the very end of the"S" will clear the hinge when you begin the installation process. Good luck.

[Robert S.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I have installed the door spring using a brake adjustment tool. Don't remember exactly how, just that it was pretty easy.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

Yaknow Kurt...down on the farm we just use a chunk o hickory wood to hold the doors open. Sheesh man, don't be so dang'd picky. You'd think you had a bowtie candidate or something...

yo buddy,
tc

[Jim D.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

I have the "special" bent screwdriver that I bought from one of the suppliers. Using it, the 1st spring replacement took about 5 minutes. I've done several for friends and can now do it in less than 60 seconds. It's VERY simple.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Door hinge spring replacement

Kurt, I too have replaced the spring on my 71. I got the tool because of my lack of confidence. I think you can make one easily though. Here are my 2 cents worth. Don't try to force it. You must find the right spot. When you do it slips in quite easily. So much so that you are surprised and pleased. (We are talking about the C3 door hinge spring)