Have a ‘47 AD 3100. Bad door hinge in the upper left. (Driver door). Presuming my worn hinge is original, it has one spring. I Bought a similar hinge and rebuilt it. Not an import. It has TWO springs. Doesn’t seem compatible as it won’t fit into the pillar opening. Question is are the older hinges compatible with earlier versions? Side by side they seem identical. But the two springs make it impossible to install the hinge.
They are somewhat difficult to get turned correctly to install. Check your part against these pics/part numbers. A friend shared them with me. The same part number hinges are used from 1947 thru 1955 1st series.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
The originals do have two springs and Ronny is right, they are not easy to get in the pockets. Can’t remember if they install in the open or closed position. Try both. Keep at it, they will go in. Here is a picture of mine.
Last edited by Phak1; 05/25/202211:37 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
I have the same thing on my trucks. I was not sure if it was a year thing or a GMC/Chevy thing. Seems like a year thing from what I have heard, 47-48 used 2 springs and single after that. They all have the same part numbers and I have not found a written reference anywhere. My hinges on my stock 47's have two springs. The hinges on my 48 also have 2 springs. That truck was well worn when I got it so I can't attest to originality. The 2 spring hinge is different than the 1 hinge spring in the shape and length of the stop that is on the hinge. The 2 spring hinge has a smaller stop and allows the door to open further. You should use a matched pair upper and lower so the door is stable at full open. They are tricky to get in and out of the pocket. They should also use the 4th bolt on the inside plate. It will make a difference when you are aligning the door again.
1947.2 GMC 1/2T SWB panel 1947.2 GMC 1/2T long bed 1948 GMC 1/2T short bed
Just to clarify, my hinges are from a ‘52, have two springs, are original and do not use the forth bolt hidden in the pocket.
Last edited by Phak1; 05/26/202211:55 AM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
My ‘47 3100 had one spring on each door. I thought that they were the original. But like many things I’ve found were not the original but changed over the years. I finally wrestled the dual spring hinge into place and seems to work fine. Still have to raise the door to align the belt line but it’s a work in progress!
