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Send PMWILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
The driver's side door spring on my '78 broke. It looks like and "S" and monts to the top door hing. I purchased a replacement spring from Mid America. My qestion is how do I install the darn thing? Do I have to take the door off or can it be put on with the door on? I played with it a little; but got no where. Looking at the passenger side, I can see how it fits; but the problem is getting in there.
Thanks for your help.
Pappy's Toy
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Pappy's Toy
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Here's a video that may help; there is also a tool all vendors sell just for this installation. Have never done one, but many others have - good luck.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Do yourself a favor, and get the tool...your paint will thank you for it.
The springs can be a pita do do, even with the tool, but without the tool, you'll be saying words you never thought you knew....
The springs can be a pita do do, even with the tool, but without the tool, you'll be saying words you never thought you knew....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Send PMCramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Joel is right, buy the tool. Even with the tool, it isnt as easy as some of the videos make it appear to be. One other word of advise, tape or somehow cover ANY area that may be hit by that spring if, or when, it slips during the installation. That area includes the outside of the drivers door in the area of the spring... dont ask me why I say this.
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M
Hello! The drivers side door spring broke on my 1980, you'll need the special tool and a small hammer. The other folks are correct, tape up the area including the outside of the door edge-I learned why
. There are downloadable instructions from CC's website and from other sites. It was a bit tricky but I did get it replaced.
. There are downloadable instructions from CC's website and from other sites. It was a bit tricky but I did get it replaced.
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Send PMWILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Thanks all, for the advice. You will be happy to know that the instillation was a success and without any damage. Willis 76, the vedio link was invaluable. I would not have been able to do it without the vidio. As the vidio stated, I measued my spring and sure enough, it was a tad bit to long. After a few passes with the grinder it fit into place perfectly. I did not purchase an istilation tool; but I had an ole brake adjustment tool that worked just fine. A few taps with a small hammer and it popped into place. You guys are great on the C3VR site. I know that if I have any questions, I can get some good advice
Thanks again
Pappy's Toy 
Pappy's Toy
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Old brake adjuster works fine, too! Mine is a little too short to have enough leverage, but...Congrats on the nice job!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Wow that's good news! Those guys at Wilcox are very knowledgeable and great to deal with.
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I enjoyed watching the video, but I hope I never have a broken spring.
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I did mine about 5 years ago, a real PITA job. My old Drill Seargent vocabulary came back to me. I sure hope I don't have to do that job again.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
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in Forum: C3 Electrical, Body and Interior
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