Topic: Door bushings
in Forum: C3 Body
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What’s the correct procedure for installing new door pins and bushings on a C3? Is this easer than installing new hinges? My driver’s side door on my 78 has quite a bit of sag and I suspect the bushings are shot and I would like to get some tips before I jump into this. I understand these doors are very heavy and are a pain to mess with...
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I was able to do mine without unbolting the hinges from the door. You will need to unplug your power windows and locks if you have them and pull the wire harness out of the door. Then tap the top pin up a little. Take a file and file one side of the pin head down to the pin shaft. Rotate the flat so it is inline with the fender edge. Have a friend hold the door. Place a towel or cardboard between the lower front corner of the door and fender threshold so you don't cip the paint. Now tap the top pin out. The flat you filed on the pin gives clearance so you can get the pin past the fender. Next tap the lower pin out and remove the door. I Know some guys have been able to replace the bushings by just moving the door back a little and not having to pull the wire harness. It does require some one to hold the door the hole time though. Good luck
I found it easer to do if you have a second pair of hands to hold the door,I replaced the bushings and pins and spring but did not change out the hinge..Suncountry has the right idea..
"I Love all Corvettes! LifeTime Member #60..Terry" 
Ya might check with your local vette mechanic. Mine loaned me a door holder he had that was on wheels. 71Shark and I used this device (basically an adjustable bracket about 2 feet long and 3 feet tall on sliders that fit to the door) to set at the door height. We then took the pins out and moved the door about 2", changed out the bushings and moved the door back in, replacing the pin as we went. We then put new springs in as mine were missing. Neat Flat Blade Screwdriver tool if you want to buy one or see if someone will loan you one, but you can do it with a regular screwdriver and lots of foul language
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Two can do it if one is fairly strong, not that the doors are that heavy, but it takes a few minutes to remove both pins and the four bushings and replace them.
WATCH OUT FOR THE PAINT AND FIBERGLASS!!!!!
Good luck!
.Two can do it if one is fairly strong, not that the doors are that heavy, but it takes a few minutes to remove both pins and the four bushings and replace them.
WATCH OUT FOR THE PAINT AND FIBERGLASS!!!!!
Good luck!
in Forum: C3 Body
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