Due to some corrosion, my wagon's passenger side hood hinge spring retainer that attaches to the firewall broke. AAARGH! It did not tear the sheet metal (I think), and half of the catch looks like it's still riveted to the body. I need some tips on how to DIY repair this. I dont think I need to replace or repair the hinge, just the piece that holds the spring to the firewall. Can I take apart part of the fender or under the windshield and maybe drill out the rivets and replace with new / scavenged / fabbed part? I need some advice here. Part number would be awesome too... Since I've had the wagon I've been good about keeping those hinge areas clear and dry, but I guess too much damage had been done by the PO's neglect. Also, I have searched the threads for solutions, but cant seem to find this particular topic. Only problems with the hinges themselves.

Suggestions?
Know a good / fair body shop in the Atl, GA Area?


Jon

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1984 Astral Grey 300TDT - The French Fry
1979 Yellow 300SD - The Pomme - SOLD
1985 Light Ivory 300DT - Fritz
1987 Anthracite Grey 300SDL - ?

This issue really needs visual documentation for other members.

It is easy for others to misunderstand, and think you are speaking of the hinges.

Suggestions for a good body shop in the Atl, GA Area.

ShopForum > General Discussion > Good MB Shops
Georgia
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/georgia/

Will be posted shortly. Thanks for the tip.

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1984 Astral Grey 300TDT - The French Fry
1979 Yellow 300SD - The Pomme - SOLD
1985 Light Ivory 300DT - Fritz
1987 Anthracite Grey 300SDL - ?

This is where the spring retainer broke. The remainder is still riveted to the body. The arrows indicate actual break points. The "hooks" on the hinge are what the other end of the spring attaches to.

<p>

This is the piece that broke off. The deep U grrove is where the spring used to hook....


Any tips or help with how to go about repairing this would be great. My initial thoughts are that I may be able to access the other side of the area from the glove compartment /under dash on pass side. Then I could sheet metal screw/bolt & nut into place a strengthening piece of sheet metal. Then from under the hood, sheetmetal screw / bolt/ nut into place a retaining hook / latch from Home depot. OR drill out the rivets and replace with new part...( been having huge trouble finding the part number or correct name - anyone?) but I'm not sure I can access the area with a riveter without dismantling half the car.. any experience with that would help. How difficult is it to remove the fender? Would that even help?

Thanks guys,

Jon

__________________
1984 Astral Grey 300TDT - The French Fry
1979 Yellow 300SD - The Pomme - SOLD
1985 Light Ivory 300DT - Fritz
1987 Anthracite Grey 300SDL - ?

Remove fender, cut, weld and re-coat, re-install fender. You may want to get a body shop or a good welder involved in the actual cutting and welding. Removing the fender is the easiest part.

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Jim