Door hinge tip.........lessons learned, hard way
 

This week-end I decided to re-align the drivers door. So I removed the inner fender plastic and sprayed WD40 on the bolts, supported the door with a jack, etc. I started to remove the bolts and managed to break all three of the bolts for the upper hinge. So I called the local dealerships and explained what had happened. They both told me that the ONLY way to get the bolts out was to remove the fender and use a screw extractor. I explain that I have a DECH kit, but they both say that there is no way to get at the bracket from the interior. So taking off the fender screws up the kit. But I need the door to work so I have to do it. As I start using the screw extractor the bracket that the bolts are attached to moves....then I see carpet.

If I see carpet then I should be able to get at the bracket from the interior. This is when I fumed. I could indeed reach up inside of the cabin and grab a hold of this bracket. I pulled it out and using two pairs of vise-grips, heat, and muscle got all three of the broken bolts out. I took off the plastic trim and sure enough you can to the hinge backing plate as well.

Lesson 1: Hinge backing plates are accessible from the interior.
Lesson 2: Dealership gurus are not always gurus.

i can vouch (spelling?) for lesson 2, this summer i worked at a ford dealer and most of the parts "gurus" are actually former autozone "gurus", and we all know how intelligent the average autozone worker is


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88 Notch, B&M Ripper, 3.73's, Ported E7's, Explorer int. w/ ported lower, pulleys, 1.7RR's, BBK headers, off-road H-pipe, flowmasters, subframes, 65mm TB, March ram air ,MSD coil, U/L control arms, 155lph f/p, Crane Adj.FPR, Nitto drag radials, best 1/4--> 13.76@101.4 on a 2.17 60ft

Yeah some/99% of Autozone's workers down here can't even speak English, and know absolutely nothing about cars. It's getting pretty sad....

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1989 GT, 3:55's, full exhaust, 4 in. hood, Pro 5.0, Have many other parts 4 sale. All parts for sale now.

2000 Camaro SS-A4, 13.7's bone stock.

1989 Chevy S-10, EX. Cab-383(500+hp on motor), trick flow heads, trick flow pistons, etc... autometer phantom gauges, "built" 700R4, roll cage, lexan back window, corbeau seats, R.H.S. 5 harnesses, Fuel cell, convo pro wheels, 15x14's with 29x18.5 M/T'S on back, 15x4's on front, nitrous, and so much more!

Hay y pik on uss aotozon guise?We is *** smert as youse.I jus got don wits me hoked on fonics tape.

Hey don't pick on AutoZone, they gave me a free starter and $90.

I went to buy a starter and get to the register and the guy hands me 90 dollars and I walk out with a new starter and $90.

I did not even realize what had happened until I got home because I was too busy talking.


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James Cox
nochevy@hotmail.com
1991 Mustang LX
No times with 347 stroker yet.

From using Autozone parts in the past,i hope you have a reciept because you will be back for another starter or more.Hey look on the bright side you may walk out with a free engine next time!