C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE??

[William B.]

Have a 69 with a chunk of fiberglass missing by lower door hinge. I can repair the fiberglass, but what realy caused it? It appears the hinge bushings are worn but not excessive. Should i replace the hinge also? I have noticed other cars like this, is it common? Is there a perminit fix? Thanks for all responses i need suggestions. Bill

[Tony Merendino]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE??

I have a similar problem but it manifests itself by the upper door hinge chipping the door on the edge about where it curves toward the windshield. I was advised that this was due to the fact that the return door spring was missing on this side so the door rotated open too far and the edge of the door hit the upper hinge taking a chunk out of the door edge. I have replaced the door spring and am about to repair the door. Hopefully this will cure the problem. I am curious to see if anyone else has experienced this problem.

[John Walker]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE??

Terry; My wife's 73 has the same problem on the pass side door.

John

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE??

The problem is usually caused by the bending of the hindge. It is more prominent on the 68-69s because the hinge is not as thick in the area that bends. On later models the hindge was re-designed, and as a rule they do not have the problem, if no one swings the door open too hard. You can put the re-designed hindge on the 69, but you will have to trim the opening in the door to make it fit.

[William B.]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE?? Wayne?

Excellent information, is it the top or bottom hinge or both? And would replacement hinges cure the problem. Any sugestions? Thanks Bill

[Jeff Broughton]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE?? Wayne?

My 69 took several chunks out of the paint when the hinge spring broke. It must've lodged in such a way that it was catching the door when I opened it all the way. I heard it pop when I opened the door, but it wasn't until it happened the second time that I realized what was happening, and by then it had screwed up my almost-new paint job. Replaced the spring on both doors. Problem solved (except for the ugly blemishes on the paint).

Jeff Broughton

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 DOOR MISSING EDGE? HINGE?? Wayne?

Both hindges are now re-inforced and replace the older style but on 68 and 69 you will have to trim a little where it mounts on the door.