Worst project ever!

Hey I just replaced my upper door pin and bushings on the drivers side- and let me tell you it was horrible.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/240769doorhinge.JPG
The bushings were definetely shot

I got it all out with no problem, but putting the new stuff in was such a pain. I did it all by myself with a hammer. I have no garage, it's dark, in the 30's, and worse yet sleeting. But the job is done! Only daylight will tell me what chips I put in the paint... (hopefully none!)

Anyways, is there a safer, not so ghetto way to hit these pins in/out? Space is sooo tight in there. I've heard air hammers work. What are these? Any other hints for the future?

I've had great results using a bolt and nut with flat washers to "draw" the bushings right in, very easy and they go in straight. To get them in the very last 1/16 of an inch I used a short socket on the bolt.

HeHeHe, why is it that everyone, yours truly included, hates those pins and bushings? SnapOn has a tool for that spring and I have been trying to get one and now the SnapOn guy had open heart surgery a month ago. I need to do mine.....again, and I'm not doing it without the spring tool!!

Getting the bushings in was no problem seeing as how the holes had slightly ovalized from the previous bushing's failure. It was lining up the door to get the pin through that was the challenge.

o yeah,
If you guys have been chronicling my door problems you would know my spring just shot out last weekend. I finished the project but have no spring compressor tool. Arghhhh! They didn't know about them at Murrays. Do I have to go to the dealer for this tool?

Mikado - you can also get one at NAPA for like $15....

chcknugget - if you have a buddy help you its MUCH easier to get everything lined up.....just think next time it will be easier !

HaHaHa,,,, next time, oh how true, how true.

The spring clamp is the key. Then prop your door up on a floor jack. I discovered it is easiest to not take any short cuts (i.e. unhook all of your wiring harness inside the door panel. Good luck if you need any more help, don't hesitate to contact me, I think I've got it down to an art now!

hahaha, Yeah, I bought the spring compressor tool form NAPA for $20. I think it's worth it though, because all my other pins need replacing and the dealership wants $100 a door -> No Thanks! The pins are like 6 bucks! Does anyone know what size the pins&bushings on the lower rear hatch are? They are corroded, and I asked the dealership, but apparently you have to replace the whole hinge.