Over the past two years, I have found all sorts of little squeaks and rattles. One that was persistent in its re-occurance has been the door hinge return spring. I would clean it and lubricate it every 3 months or so.

So, I just got some lithium grease for my window tracks, and figured I would apply it to the door joints as well. Just as I open the door to do this, it binds and I hear a snap...

Are these posts replaceable, or do I need a new lower door hinge?

I had the same problem on my 280Z back when I got it. I replaced the hinge. The hinge I bought even came off a car that was the same color. It seemed like the easiest way to solve the problem. Even if you pressed out the old pin and replaced it, it would be tough to get the spring back in place.

It is really pretty easy to do see this link:

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/body/doorhinge/index.htm

Jim I know you were involved with the hinges on your Z and I remember that the series 1 had different hinges than the later Zs. Do you know if the hinges on a early 280 will fit the later 240s. Gary

Gary;

Per the parts list: the later 240's and on are all the same.

It is really pretty easy to do see this link:

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/body/doorhinge/index.htm

Changing the entire hinge is so much eaiser.

Steve;

I agree with you, but having tore two sets down, cleaned them up lubed and reassembled the operation difference is worth the effort. I know I would not put a used one in my car with out doing this work. Took me all of an hour to redo the set.

Changing the entire hinge is so much eaiser.

Assuming you can find a good one. These days most of the used hinges are worn out.

Not all of them are worn out....

Maybe the 240 hinges you'd find would be worn out since those are few and far between in the junkyards. When you do find them, they're well picked over but there's always plenty of ZXs in they yards I got to so there would be lots of hinges to choose from.

sblake, you are stating that the ZX hinges are the same as for the later 240Z? If so that is a good tid bit of info. Gary

Maybe the 240 hinges you'd find would be worn out since those are few and far between in the junkyards. When you do find them, they're well picked over but there's always plenty of ZXs in they yards I got to so there would be lots of hinges to choose from.

Yet another reason to envy California... junk yards with Datsuns!

We have fewer auto junk yards every year, and finding any car that is 20 years old in a junk yard around here is very difficult. Anything made of steel that is left exposed to the elements rusts away in a very few years.

Most of the auto "recyclers" in this area bring a car in, strip off the useful parts, then crush the shell and send it to one of the local "steel mills". (Which only deal in recycled metal.) Finding anything like a door hinge would be a miracle.