[goatman-68]

Can I install the door hinge springs without scratching my paint or removing the hinge. I sort of forgot about them till now. I still have my fenders off so it wouldn't be a huge deal to remove hinge. Just looking for a easy way without buying any more special tools.........

[gtohunter]

You can pick up a hinge spring compressor for about $5 at Harbor Freight. I've used one and they work ok. Compress the spring, and insert the spring and then release it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95344

[UPC-WU2]

Hunter, thanks. I am doing a hinge rebuild too on my '69 and I will now be getting that spring compressor. After I install the new pins how do I keep them in? The originals were staked in. Do I need a retainer somehow? or will they stay put?

[goatman-68]

gtohunter -- Thanks for the link, off to Harbor Freight tomorrow............

[n20ta2]

when I rebuilt my hinges I put a small tack weld on the pin to the hinge on the back so its very hard to see.

[RicksGTO]

on the springs, you can also take a semi-stout wire and run it thru the middle of the coils, then compress the spring in a vise and twist the wire like a bread tie with pliers to hold it till you place it in the hinge.

[nashcar]

Originally Posted by RicksGTO

on the springs, you can also take a semi-stout wire and run it thru the middle of the coils, then compress the spring in a vise and twist the wire like a bread tie with pliers to hold it till you place it in the hinge.

Exactly what I did, worked fine.

[goatman-68]

Great idea, thanks guys, guess I saved $4.99. I'll put that towards my new wheels & tires.......

[Greg Reid]

That is a great idea. Could have save me some trouble. I caught holy heck trying to re-install mine without the tool. I wound up fabricating one from a door hinge I had lying around. I worked but it was NOT pretty.