Aligning doors
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
From: Oromocto, NB
Aligning doors
Hi there. Just about finish welding in new lower door pillars and step plates. Is there an easy way or procedure in aligning the doors so they close properly or is it a trial and error thing? Mind you, i'm using different doors than the original ones. Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
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From: Escondido, CA
It's pretty much a trial and error process. Having plastic wedges to place in key areas does help with minor adjustment though. Like the top and bottom, and the back upper and lower portions of the door. The stricker plate is what took me the longest to adjust to be honest. I was tired of the doors needing to be slammed. Now as long as the door is swung it will latch and not rattle.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 413
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This may be too late for you, but maybe others can benefit. I saw a trick on MuscleCar where the guy drilled small holes in the hinges (once aligned or pre- disassembly). He re-aligned after assembly using the small holes as guides
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Probably goes w/out saying, if hav'nt replaced weather strip, and intend to do so in future, suggest doing it now. Keep in mind, can be pain in backside w/ new rubber and may require occasional adjustment until seated. As noted, matter of trial and error. May try removing striker plate, with another person inside, set door in desired position then have person inside tighten hinge bolts. Use caution so fender and door do not bind while testing. Once close, mark for reference than fine tune. Torque on bolts around 45 ft. lbs. For striker plate it's the same, once close mark position then fine tune in small increments. Torque on screws 12-15 ft. lbs. Anyhow, good luck.
dave
dave
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 8
From: Clarksville,Tn
This may be too late for you, but maybe others can benefit. I saw a trick on MuscleCar where the guy drilled small holes in the hinges (once aligned or pre- disassembly). He re-aligned after assembly using the small holes as guides
I'm alittle late on this post; but thought I would also mention the above techinque is a great pre-disassembly when removing the hood and a trunk lid as well.
Mitch
I'm alittle late on this post; but thought I would also mention the above techinque is a great pre-disassembly when removing the hood and a trunk lid as well.
Mitch
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
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From: Clarksville,Tn
Airharley;
Well; I'm sorry my computer skill are lacking; I try to cut & paste his comment to add my additionally comment to his. I was only trying to add to his post too allow others to understand that; that techinque can apply to the hood & trunk lids as well.
Have a great day.....
Mitch
Well; I'm sorry my computer skill are lacking; I try to cut & paste his comment to add my additionally comment to his. I was only trying to add to his post too allow others to understand that; that techinque can apply to the hood & trunk lids as well.
Have a great day.....
Mitch
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