It is rather easy if the fender is off, but I will describe how I do it both ways. With the fender off, position the door hinges onto the door, keeping them level, and spaced correctly. I measure centers on the post and adjust the door hinges to the measurement. By starting out in the middle, you have room to go either way with the adjustment. I also install the door hinges so that they are in the middle of the in/out adjustment.
Before I set the door in, I install the door catch onto the pillar with a couple of shims and the door latch into the door. I adjust the door catch to the top of its travel. I cut out a cardboard strip approximately 3" wide x 30 " long and lay it onto the rocker panel for protection and clearance.
After the preparations are made, I make sure that the top hinge is in the closed position so that it will clear the cowl crimp when you place the door into the opening. The door has to be placed in at a slight angle to clear the upper hinge, once into the opening, you can rest the door on the cardboard if needed and then shut the door. When the door is latched, you can proceed to install the hinge bolts into the pillar after centering the door in the opening.
Before tightening the bolts check for adequate clearance for the door. At this point the door should be a little higher in the rear
than it is in the front, (more clearance at the bottom rear).
Check for in/out fit after tightening the bolts. Once the bolts are tight, you can open the door and readjust the striker, since the door will usually sag. If all goes well, at this point only minor adjustments are usually needed.
If the fender is in place, then I install the door hinges to the pillar first, centering and measuring to match the door pattern. I use a jack with a board on it to support the door, and I get a helper. When bolting up the door to the hinges, I set the hinges to the inside to start with and then attempt to close the door, using a towel to protect the rocker. Sometimes the door has to be tilted
to line up with the striker, and usually adjusting the bottom hinge is adequate, but you will need a door adjusting tool to get at the front hinge bolts.
After the door will fit the opening, I adjust the in/out direction of the front of the door as needed and the striker as needed to get the door to match the opening.
Sometimes doors can be exaspirating, but if you are careful and take your time they will turn out.
Good luck!
Jim
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