Ok, what tips are there for installing doors & springs on postwar milk cars?

yep! save time, aggravations, frustration! buy the one's already installed in the door frame!

Gave up on the kits years ago and only buy pre-assembled door sets now.

Gandy

I got one together once, but it took about half an hour of chasing flying springs, they weren't made to go together easily!  I like the idea of the assembled version.  I lost several springs in the process, I'm sure they're behind the workbench somewhere.

I have done it many times....can't really give you any tips that come to mind, other than work over a surface where you can find a "flyer". As  you note, sometimes a springs takes off. I have put them on the car inside of a big ziploc!

I have put them in the frame, left side and right side w/ springs and doors set, then from the top down (if memory is right, have not done a set in over a year and a half) started the frame into the opening, making sure the spring "arm" is pressed against the side, and work down and snap in the bottom.

It is tricky but easy enough to do, and better if you have small fingers. I fear I have not provided much help to you.

Greg

An old repair man showed me how to do it, he rolled the springs in VASELINE, and poped them right in.  I always tied a piece of thread in mine and had no trouble either.

Or the parts guys have them installed if you want them that way.

Rod

Best way (that I've found) is to thread the springs into the holes on the doors & frame FIRST (with the doors BEHIND the frame), then snap the doors into the frame. It's still a PITA, but at least the springs don't go flying.