Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:45:35 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Slider Hinge
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6m8o-1ZawYUrVj5WHrGV8pOEyKWp3dh44m2QA_9KB7JTA@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Gene,
When my slider stopped popping out I looked into that hinge.
My door would barely open and I found my spring hinge like yours was not very strong any longer. I had to pull on the handle to open. Over time I was putting strain on the handle.
On my original spring I found some strange plastic thing inside the spring that was starting to come out. It had the rubber on either side of the spring.
In the end I could find no way to rebuild. I put it in my spare parts and would love to rebuild it so that it was strong again.
GW sold me a used hinge. It was only slightly better then mine and it took a lot of work to change the slider bushings. The rubber was in worse shape then mine.
So, if you find a way to rebuild I’d love to know. In the meantime used part was my solution.
As I write this I think my memory was jolted. Now that I think about it I think GW had a new version. The problem is when I got it it didn’t fit my 85 door correctly. No matter how I adjusted it it would not close correctly. They sent me the used one and that fit. So the new one had questionable manufacturing details. Still for your van perhaps a new one will work out.
If anyone out there is rebuilding the hinges I have a hinge for you.
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto
> On Jan 26, 2021, at 1:07 AM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Hi Gene,
>
> I don't see any plastic bushing on the rear hinge...
>
> https://www.gowesty.com/product/lock-latch/23910/complete-sliding-door-hinge-
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHHsjBc6Uc
>
> when I rebuild mine I just replace all the roller bearings.
>
> On Mon, Jan 25, 2021 at 8:28 PM Gene P <olgreywoof@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hey Folks,
>> Another growing project. Went to adjust the rear of the sliding door a
>> bit – with the outside cover off, I noticed there is not much ‘spring’ at
>> all to the rear hinge. I’ve read the discussions about bearing options,
>> but what about rebuilding other stuff? I found the spring, but it looks
>> like there is a plastic bushing inside that spring that is broken. I don’t
>> find that or the seals on either side of it. Anyone find parts to rebuild
>> one of these?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> gp
>>
