Re: IML: '73 door detent spring

[Elijah Scott <imperial1971@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jay King <j_king@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Yesterday  as I closed the driver's door on my '73 LeBaron, I heard an ominous  noise, and when I checked, the spring that holds the door in the open  position had broken right at the retainer strap. I was busy getting my  daughter's car loaded for her return to university after spring break,  so I didn't try to get the old spring out, but it looks like it might  take removing the door to get it loose. I've heard horror stories of  early '60s cars with broken retainer straps damaging the front quarter  panel, but it doesn't look like that will happen on the '73--the door  just won't stay open. Anyone have experience with these springs or know  of a source for a replacement spring?
Jay,
  
  The '73 door hinge design is such that even if the spring is broken,  the door WON'T swing far enough open to
 damage the front fender, as can  happen on  '66 and earlier Imperials.
  
  I don't know of a source for the spring other than a parts car.   The same spring was used on darn near all Chrysler products for many  years, so it ought to be easy to find.
  
  Putting it on will take about three hands, a big screwdriver, and lots  of patience.  I have installed a couple of them, but it's not  easy.  The spring anchors at one end, and then fits over the end  of the arm that rides against a roller on the hinge.  Getting it  over the end of the arm is just a matter of trial and error.
  
  Good luck!
  
  Elijah

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