C10_Blackie
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2024
- Posts
- 64
- Reaction score
- 138
- Location
- Seattle, WA
- First Name
- Rob
- Truck Year
- 1981
- Truck Model
- C10
- Engine Size
- 350
While replacing the window channel seals over the weekend on my '81 C10, I finally noticed that the driver's door was swinging freely without resistance and I had to prop a garbage can in there to keep the door in place while working on it. Have always taken for granted that car doors will come to rest in two places as you open them but never bothered to learn how that works.
So turns out that the left-hand door hinge spring (LMC part number 38-6556) is missing - must have broken off at some point. I see it is only a $5 part, but it looks as though I'm going to have to completely remove the door from the truck and the hinge from the door in order to install that new spring in place, right? And even with the hinge off, given the forces involved I'm betting it won't be easy to get the new spring in place.
First question: is this something a relatively inexperienced person with good tools should even be trying? I'm especially wondering if getting the door to line back up afterwards is going to be an issue as I've had problems doing that on another car once before and had to resort to forcing it. I have the option of deferring this until next time the truck goes into the shop for something and have a pro do it.
Other questions: if I do try doing this, any tips? And are there any other things I should deal with while I'm in there like replacing the hinge pins on that side? Or maybe it's easier to just replace the entire hinge assembly (LMC part number 38-6514) since it's only $22?
Thanks.
So turns out that the left-hand door hinge spring (LMC part number 38-6556) is missing - must have broken off at some point. I see it is only a $5 part, but it looks as though I'm going to have to completely remove the door from the truck and the hinge from the door in order to install that new spring in place, right? And even with the hinge off, given the forces involved I'm betting it won't be easy to get the new spring in place.
First question: is this something a relatively inexperienced person with good tools should even be trying? I'm especially wondering if getting the door to line back up afterwards is going to be an issue as I've had problems doing that on another car once before and had to resort to forcing it. I have the option of deferring this until next time the truck goes into the shop for something and have a pro do it.
Other questions: if I do try doing this, any tips? And are there any other things I should deal with while I'm in there like replacing the hinge pins on that side? Or maybe it's easier to just replace the entire hinge assembly (LMC part number 38-6514) since it's only $22?
Thanks.
