The drivers door on my 1993 Xjs convertible doesnt hold itself open. Is there a spring or something that normally goes out?

 

Not sure if the facelift cars have the same hinge design, but on pre facelift cars the upper hinge on each door has a spring that rides on a wheel- nothing to exotic. But they frequently snap and unfortunately require the replacement of the hinge.

 

Which involves removing the wing (fender?).
Use your leg, that's what I always did.

 

Ok cool Ill look into it a little further once the snow melts lol. I dont mind holding it open generally, but I went out today to mess with the interior, got one leg in and the wind blew it shut on the other leg. Drrrrr

 

Ha ha! Did you film it?

 

Nope no film lol. However as Ive said to a few people that ask me how I get into either of my Jags "I have no belief that I look graceful getting in or out of them, but it sure does feel good when Im in them!"

 

I've replaced the hinge on the driver's side door of my 1986 without removing the fender- but again it could be different for facelift cars, not sure. If you do embark on this job, have a helper. Re aligning the door is one huge PITA and will likely take a few hours.

 

Gotcha. Ok cool. Sounds like a fairly do-able job then. I have done hinges on other American cars, and yeah alignment can be a real pain lol

 

The front door has an upper hinge that has a torqued spring. This spring keeps the door opened. The spring has a tendency to break at the lower end. This causes the door to not stay.opened. The spring cannot be replaced. There is too much tension to try to put a "replacement" spring in place. The spring is shaped like an elongated S. It is not available as a single unit to buy. You have to purchase the entire upper door hinge. The hinge can be removed without taking the fender off. It is a pain to do. Best get a mechanic or body shop pro to assist you.

I know, I had this happen on my 93 XJS. I had to buy both hinges for the driver's side. The passenger side hinges are not compatible to the driver's side. They are not identical.

Contact LeRoy Sorrell in Jax, FL. He carries XJS parts. LS@classiccargarage.net. I've met him. He has been a great source to get XJS parts.

Leroy has just replied to me. He has door hinges in several colors. (Friday 25th).

Mert
Charleston, SC