Quick door question: build or install first?
 

Searching through all the relevant threads here as I prepare to build my empty door shells — but wondering whether it’s better (or easier?) to build the door first off the truck then hang, or hang ‘em empty and build on the truck?

Thoughts?

I have the doors gutted on my 49. I am going to body work them and primer them next and hang them since they will be so much lighter to work with.

I have a 54...but I second the install first...build after. Much easier to install and get lined up when it is just a shell. Plus I thought rebuild was easier with the door upright where you can get to it.

My doors needed rust repair on the bottoms. I found it much easier to work on them laying flat on a workbench than try to work on them from underneath if they were hanging. After the body work was done I hung them to do the glass and regulator install. :)

I think GoldCo means is it better to put door and window regulators and glass and latch in with door hung in truck. I say yes it it is.

I hung them first. Pic's in my build thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lt-thread.html

thanks for the replies
 

yep, empty door shell ready for internals and glass.
so i guess i'll hang 'em first, then it sounds like vent windows first, then division bar, etc.
i've got a bunch of weather stripping i gotta figure out where it all goes, both for windows and doors. re: the latter, this just came to me — does door weatherstripping go on the door side or the cab side?

thanks for replies. time to go back and re-read all the search results.

Also read your shop manual.