[Novaman71]

I have a 71 nova, and it is missing the springs out of the lower drivers side door hinge. this is causing the door not to shut properly, how do i fix this? do i need to replace the whole hinge or is there a way to just put a new spring in it? it also doesnt look to be bolted in, it looks welded in.

 

[bonehead71]

nova door hinge spring

yes you can replace the springs.. pretty common part. most auto parts should have them . you can probably buy the tool to compress them at the auto parts too... and yes most of the hinges are welden on but you dont have to remove the hinge to install the spring.

 

[76 SS]

The spring only holds the door in the open position. New hinge pins & bushings should make it shut properly, unless a hinge has been tweaked from an accident. You can pop a spring out of a parts car real easy with a screw driver, but you'll need a small spring compressor from the paint & body supply store (for about $15) to install it on your car without scratching the jamb or getting hit with the spring.

 

[firebird77clone]

I've heard of a trick you might try for installing the spring:

Take a couple pieces of steel bailing ( tie ) wire. string them through the spring center, and loop them around to the outside.

Take a pair of linesman pliers, and twist the ends together. Put the twist in the spring center, opposite sides.

Alternate side-to-side twisting up the wire. As you twist, it will compress the spring.

Install the spring, and cut the wires. Pull the wires, out, and done.

 

[walkerjay]

I got my door spring tool from HF for 5 bucks. Worked like a charm! I don't think the detent and spring system would have any affect on door alignment or ability to close.

 

[73NovaMan]

I've heard of a trick you might try for installing the spring:

Take a couple pieces of steel bailing ( tie ) wire. string them through the spring center, and loop them around to the outside.

Take a pair of linesman pliers, and twist the ends together. Put the twist in the spring center, opposite sides.

Alternate side-to-side twisting up the wire. As you twist, it will compress the spring.

Install the spring, and cut the wires. Pull the wires, out, and done.

I used a coat hanger

 

[taz3]

Or try a local body shop, they'll have a spring compressor tool for this.

 

[3504speed]

A bench vise and GOOD QUALITY zip ties will work also:yes: