Door Detent spring removal

Steve442 · Mar 3, 2003

I guess this is a body question. I am looking for a special tool that is used to compress the lower door hinge detent spring or any safe tips on how to remove this little bugger. I read a long time ago that Snap-On made a tool just for this. Does anyone know about such a tool?? or is it just a myth?
I am going to rebuild the hinges on a 1971 Olds 442 and any tips or ideas on this would be great.

T-Man · Mar 3, 2003

Somebody actually does make a tool for that, I'd like to get my hands on one as well. The last time I needed that tool I borrowed it from a friend.

69ssragtop · Mar 3, 2003

Any bodyshop supply store should have one,if they dont -order one.Their about 12.00 out of their catalogs

WayneK · Mar 4, 2003

Steve. I just poped them out of the old hinge with a pry bar,, and after rebuilding the
hinge. put two HD tie wraps trough the spring having them exit B-4 the top and bottom winding.
I then compress them in a bench vice and tight up the tie-wraps. install the spring in the newly rebuilt hinge and cut the tie wrap.
Presto.. don;t get me wrong there were a few mis Q's and the spring poped off it's little detent. .BUT just recompress and try again..

more ambition than brains · Mar 4, 2003

Tool should be available from any Snap On, Matco, or Mac tool truck. Buy the tool. Much safer than trying to compress in vice and hold with ties or mechanic wire. Popping out, and the tie trick can work, however ---NOT SAFE---. PLEASE, spend the few bucks and protect yourself.
Karl

boomhauer · Mar 4, 2003

You'll never get the tool in there to compress it enough.Throw a heavy towel over it to keep it from flying out, then pop it out with a pry bar.You will need the tool to install it though.

more ambition than brains · Mar 4, 2003

Can be a little dicey, getting out with tool on some models. As he is rebuilding the hinges, they probably will be out of car. Maybe I have been lucky, but I can think of very few applications where I have been unable to use compressor for both in and out. Covering with large towel will provide adequate protection. Be Careful. Karl

knownothing · Mar 7, 2003

I work at a bodyshop and this is how I, my boss, and all of my coworkers do it:

to get them out put on two face shields(one for you and one for your helper),have your helper hold it over a garbage can spring facing away. grab a screwdriver and hammer and knock the spring out in the can WATCH WHERE IT GOES CAUSE IT WILL GET LOST IF THE CAN IS FULL. diggin in garbage is no fun.

to install put the spring where you need it and use a pair of large channel-locks to compress the whole assembly then slide in the detent and let off on the vise grips.

GOOD LUCK!

HOPE THIS HELPS

Steve442 · Mar 8, 2003

HAHAHA that is GREAT! I have a few body shop contacts looking for the tool for me. I ordered the new set of pins and springs and detents from Year One. After looking at the new springs I think I will wait for the tool. The new springs are rather beefy for the little things they are. I shudder at the thought of one of them ricocheting around inside a face shield

I will post a link to some pics when and IF the tool and parts get here. Keep the tips coming tho. I may need to do it with out the tool if i cannot find one.
Thanks for all the tips.

Steve

von · Mar 8, 2003

And get your cars out of the garage before letting one loose. Getting them out is easy but I wrestled with one for 2 hours before getting it in there with a vise, screwdrivers, etc. The tie-wrap idea sounds like a good one. I've also heard using wire to tie the compressed spring works. Of course I heard all that AFTER doing mine. I'd use a full face shield AND safety goggles with any method.

TimC · Mar 10, 2003

Sorta hard to explain, but simple to do. I have a sheet of stainless covering my workbench that is probably a 1/8 inch thick that hangs over the edge about two inches. Place the hinge over the edge and spring between the hinge and the bench top. Keeping the hinge stationary, tap the spring into place with a small ball peen. Once centered, tap the entire hinge off the edge of the bench. If you have it straight, the only place for the spring to go is on to the hinge. Works like a champ every time and is easier than that specialty tool.

just my .02

Door Detent spring removal

Steve442

T-Man

69ssragtop

WayneK

more ambition than brains

boomhauer

more ambition than brains

knownothing

Steve442

von

TimC

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