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Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:43 am

My new bus is missing some parts from the rear cargo door that keep it from staying up. Is it possible to obtain them and put them in myself?
Im not sure what the parts are called to even search for. Thanks for any help.

69 Bay

Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:52 am

Torsion springs or torsion rods, they are a little hard to find in the classifieds because they rarely wear out and most sane people are a bit leery about messing with them. If you do find a set and decide to install them BE CAREFUL!!, they are under a substantial amount of tension and will injure you if they get out of hand going in. You may want to find an old school body shop and ask them if they'll put them in, this is a job where experience matters.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:05 am

I guess it's best looking for someone parting out a bus. Would you happen to know the range of years that are compatable with a 69?

Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:53 am

Yep, watch the classifieds for a number of ads for parts coming off the same bus and ask the seller. 68-79 all fit.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:07 am

Jamesn71 wrote: I guess it's best looking for someone parting out a bus. Would you happen to know the range of years that are compatable with a 69?

If you want I am currently parting out a 1970 Bus. On my parts Bus the Hatch does stay up. PM me if you want more info.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:12 pm

Also if anyone reading this could possibly post a picture of the parts in place so I could see how it assembles i'd appreciate it. I've searched with no luck and the Bently manual is still on it's way.

Thanks :D

Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:51 pm

Here is the right side. I don't have one of the left at the moment. The left side of the spring wraps 3 times on the left and that is where the end is.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:37 pm

We just gutted Colin's road warrior. These parts are available. Send me a PM and make offer if interested.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:09 pm

I appreciate all the help. Actually I placed a want add and someone replied within twenty minutes. He actually lives 10 minutes away but his is from a 67 bus. He was pretty sure it was compatable but I told him I would inquire on here to make sure. Do you guys think it would work?

Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:07 pm

James,
I may be incorrect, but I believe 67's are different from the Bays. Don't quote me, though.
If it doesn't work out, I have two 68 parts Bays that I am just beginning to strip.
I can take the torsion spring and armature off in a day or so. I just hope I don't get zinged in the face taking off the torsion spring. :wink:
PM if it doesn't work out.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:42 pm

Quote: PM if it doesn't work out.

will do.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:50 pm

be careful. unless you either: have a video showing exactly how it's done or remove them yourself from the donor vehicle, you likely never be able to figure out how the parts go in properly. others who were as brave as you have tried and failed, and IMO mere words on this forum cannot explain how it's done- i have tried that and failed.

Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:22 pm

dansvans wrote: be careful. unless you either: have a video showing exactly how it's done or remove them yourself from the donor vehicle, you likely never be able to figure out how the parts go in properly. others who were as brave as you have tried and failed, and IMO mere words on this forum cannot explain how it's done- i have tried that and failed.

I would take photos of every step of removing them, so that I can go back and reverse the procedure. Admittedly I have never removed them before, so I am going to do some research on it, and wear a helmet, flak jacket, and goggles....... :lol: :wink:

Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:45 pm

you might have to make up a tool to get this done .. here is a picture of it
http://home.clara.net/hallvw/technical/tailgate.htm

Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:31 pm

Thank you for the instructions. I have the parts pretty soon and this will be very helpful. The tool doesn't look to hard to fabricate. I've got a pretty heavy duty regular screwdriver I can use. I might be able to bend it but I think it will just snap. I'll come up with something.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:39 pm

Quote: I might be able to bend it

Get yourself a strong screwdriver or rod and use propane or mapp gas to heat the area you want to bend until it is a hot yellow-orange. It will then bend easily using vice grips and a vice. Then let it cool and presto you have your tool. Just be careful while it is hot as it will evaporate skin instantly at that temp if you touch it. Wear safety glasses and gloves.

Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:07 pm

shift lever with the knob removed is perfect- ask me how i know! the threads keep the rod from slipping out of place as it bears against the torsion bar.