Door Hinge
 

I have an 86 c10 and the upper left door hinge broke. The door now only opens 1/2 way. I bought a new hinge and painted it, but I can not get to the inner bolts. I figured I would have to get the wiring off. The door has pwr locks and windows. There are blue knobs on top of each connector and say twist off or on. I twisted and the knob just came off. What is the trick to these connectors? I could not see how to get the rubber wire loom off between the door and frame. Does the rubber just pull away like a gromet? What is the best way to support the door while getting the old hing off and the new one on? Any tips or trick would be appreciated!
Thanks
Keith

RE: Door Hinge
 

I got off the door and did not unwire it. I hung it from the rafter and removed the upper hinge and installed the new one. One problem, one bolt had to be accessed from under the dash trough a small hole. It was impossible not to drop the bolt and I lost a 9/16" socket down the A pillar. How do I get them out? I can not seem to find a access hole.
Thanks
Keith

RE: Door Hinge
 

magnet on a string.... or the parts store sells a 5lb pickup magnet on an extenable stick

RE: Door Hinge
 

I tried a 24" magnetic flex tool and it was not long enough. I then cut out the magnet and attached it to my wire fish with aluminum duct tape. I fished it down the hole and never got a bite. The hole is only maybe 2" wide and you have to remove the lower left vent duct to get to it. It has a gromet with 2 wires, iguess for the door switch. I had to remove the guage bezel and then the duct. What a pain. I was hoping there was a hole some where, but I could find nothing under the truck or behind the brake release. I guess my snap-on socket and screw are gone forever unless some one has a new trick.
Thanks
Keith