Does anyone know of a source for the spring that hides behind the chrome pull-up type interior door handle on an early +2. The spring returns the handle to the “neutral” position. Mine has snapped on the driver side and none of the usual suppliers list the item.
Or anyone have a spare they could part with at a price?
john-c - I have the broken bits and the good passenger side spring, so picture not really required, but thanks for the offer.
john.p - I’m putting the car back together after a respray and am trying to iron-out all the niggles. swapping the problem over would just get me grief from the wife.
will try to get some spring wire and possibly wind a new one.
Its a bit of a bodge but when I had this problem I substituted 3 small springs out of ball point pens. They are not very strong but they do actually return the handle (mine is an S130 but I think it is similar) BTW some biros have very much stronger springs than others. I had dozens to choose from in a pot in the kitchen (don’t we all!)
I’ve attached a couple of pictures highlighting my dilemma.
Am I right in thinking this whole internal door release mechanism is from a Cortina on an Early 68’ Elan +2?
The internal door handle is from an HA Vauxhall Viva, and I would assume that the mechanism is as well. It’s quite an unusual splined shaft, where the handle bolts on. The Cortina is a square section shaft.
Mike, I wouldn’t mind betting that there are more early Plus 2s left that HA Vivas…including vans! I do remember Vivas having about the most rust prone bodyshell of all the Brit cars of the 60s . When you think how rusty Minis, Imps, Cortinas and all the rest became within 5 years of being made, that’s quite an achievement!
Yes,
You’re probably right, I worked for Vauxhall throughout the 70s and ran HA Vivas and a van and they did rust! Especially the seams along the top edge of the front wings.