55 Door keeps sagging
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Boulder
55 Door keeps sagging
Hey Guys (& Gals) - my driver's side door won't stay in place. The last time I had it set by a local body shop and it worked it's way down after about a year- about a 1/4 inch. Kinda breezy near the top. I checked the manual, Ford had a special alignment jig back then. Ideas? Suggestions?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
The only way I can figure that a door can "keep sagging" is either that the hinge bolts aren't tightened sufficiently (either in door or jamb), OR the jamb socket for the hinge is rotted out. Check to see where the problem could be, then reset it.
Start resetting the door by tightening the bolts between hinge and jamb. Don't miss the bolts down inside the hinge pocket.
Resetting the door is easiest with the help of a buddy. Loosen the door hinge attach bolts under the door access covers (upper and lower) and jockey the door until you like the position and the gaps around the door are as even as possible, then have the buddy inside tighten the door hinge bolts. You can repeat this process until it is as good as it will get.
Start resetting the door by tightening the bolts between hinge and jamb. Don't miss the bolts down inside the hinge pocket.
Resetting the door is easiest with the help of a buddy. Loosen the door hinge attach bolts under the door access covers (upper and lower) and jockey the door until you like the position and the gaps around the door are as even as possible, then have the buddy inside tighten the door hinge bolts. You can repeat this process until it is as good as it will get.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Boulder
Thank you! You got me thinking. What I did do was loosen all 12 bolts, placed a jack under the door close to the hinge, raised it, tightened the 6 bolts on the frame. Then I closed the door and used the latch to hold it in place while I tightened the 6 on the door. Worked! (So far). Thanks again.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The doors are heavy. If it sags again it's likely the hinge pocket support has rusted or broken loose either in the door or in the door frame. Also make sure your striker is adjusted properly so it isn't pulling the door down.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Boulder
Thanks. The striker looks as if it could be moved up a bit. Has some funky bolt heads. Needs a special tool. Didn't find it at Mid-fifty or LMC. I may have to visit my local body shop for this one.
