My 1976 needs a Driver's side Door Hinge Spring. I was told that the little wheel on the hinge needs to move freely. The wheel is stuck, it looks like it has paint over it. How can I loosen this wheel up and remove the paint?

I would use a very small blade screwdriver to lightly pry around on the top and bottom of the wheel to loosen, then use PB Blaster to lubricate the wheel.  Once you have broken the paint seal, it should turn easy enough.

Aaron, suggest you reach up in there as best you can with pliers and try to spin the wheel or use a screw driver and litely I mea carefully tap the edge of the wheel.  Also remove as much paint around the seam on the wheel, it should break free.  You can get the spring from any of the major Corvette suppliers but don't forget to get the tool to install the spring. Screw driver did not work for me.  If you where not able to get the whell free. Once you get the spring installed  the sring pressure and tention from the door weight should definatlly losen the wheel. Kind of BUBBAISH but works, thanks.

Guy,  Your post was primarily about the wheel but if you havent replaced one of the springs before check for old posts on the subject,  they can be a PITA to get in.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND masking the OUTSIDE of your door in the area of the spring while you are trying to remove the old broken one or install the new one.  As you fiddle with the spring trying to get it in place, the other end of the spring can scratch the s... out of the paint on the outside of the door.

Totally agree Crossfire I have painted yet so I wasn't worryed to much about the paint, thanks. sgm20042007-11-21 09:38:22

I will use all this info when I get a new spring. I found them for as low as $7.99 to as high as $12.00. And the special tool for $12.00. A place in OR has them for $12.00 and the guy might pop it in for me (The Corvette Shoppe, GM Toys) so I may not have to buy the tool.

If you can get the spring  and have it installed for $12.00 you should go for it.

OK I went to The Corvette Shoppe / GM Toys on Sandy Bl. in OR today. I got the new door hinge spring and had them install it for $20 cash. This place reminded me of a repair shop version of Sandford & Son with Corvette parts all over the office and in the service bays. In the parking area in front the remains of the carcass of a couple C4's were being dismantled. For the most part I got what I came for but I don't know if I'd ever leave my Vette there for repairs. What a strange trip this was, nice drive from Vancouver anyway.

I dont think $20 is unreasonable at all, sounds like a good deal to me not to have to deal with the aggrivation factor of installing it yourself and it was a great excuse for taking the vette for a drive.  The vette shop I take mine to is much the same.  If I hadnt seen his work before taking my baby there the first time, I would have ran like the devil  away from the place. He really knows his stuff though.

Some of the best mechanics are not very organized.