when changing driver side door hinges, whats the best sequence for removal & install?

[slashnick]

as i said, im changing the hinges on the driver door. whats the best way to go?

top hinge, bottom hinge, door bolts, body bolts...first, last, etc?

also with the electrical wires to the door, is there a removable connector so the door so it can be pulled from the body easily? theres a cover over the wires now, i havent tried to pull it back yet to see.

just wanted to get some input before i go and screw something up.

 

[vigman]

Changing just the hinges or the door?

If just the hinge's.. I jack the door up when open all the way ( putting some 3/4 ply and a moving blanket underneath).. have an assistant hold the door ( hood up )

Remove the top hinge first ( and replace it ) then the lower.

Done.

There is a connector ( actually 2 I believe ) under the passenger side dash.

But if your just doing hinge's why would you disconnect?


Vig!

 

[JonM]

I totally agree with Vig...just replace one hinge at a time...no need to take the door off. Try to get the new hinge in the exact same spot as the old so you don't have to adjust.

 

[slashnick]

done

just finished the job, everything went as planned. thanks for the advice.

 

[vigman]

Great

Glad we could help! How were the old hinghes? Saggy baggy?


Vig!

 

[slashnick]

yep

old hinges were definatly not in good shape.

they had bushings that were supposed to stay between the two parts of the hinge, all 4 had moved out of place and one was broken. the overall condition was pretty poor too, especially the spring.

 

[JamesJ]

hinge question

I also have a '94 and the driver side door is sagging due to a worn hinge. I noticed that Corvette America sells a hinge pin and bushing as well as a complete hinge. Based on your experience, would it work and be easier to just replace the bushing and hinge pin, or would it be better and easier to replace the entire upper hinge? The hinge is $47, the pin and bushing is $6.
Secondly, can the hinge just be adjusted up to take the sag out of it or is replacement of the worn parts a better idea? MAybe a dumb question, my junkyard mentality is showing.

 

[slashnick]

in my case it turned out the actual hinge was worn and caused the sagging. so i had to replace the whole thing.

if you are only going to replace the pin and bushings, i dont know how difficult that will be. since the pin is pinched at the end to keep it from comming out, it seems to me you would have to somehow get in there and cut the pin out. then you have to put in the new pin, and i assume you would have to pinch the end on that one too. if you think the hinge is not damaged you should probably just change the pin and bushing. even if you find the whole hinge needs to be replaced afterwards, your only out $6 plus shipping.

there may be a better process to change the pins, i dont know. thats just how i assume it has to be done.

the hinges have elongated holes where they attach to the car. you may be able to adjust the hinge where it takes up the slack, but that would be more of a temporary fix. your better off changing it.