The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post

tucsonjwt · 09-15-2016, 07:17 AM

I would open the door, hold it by the handle end, and jiggle the door up and down. While you are doing that, look at the hinges. You should be able to see if the hinge and/or the pins and bushings are moving. It does not take much slop for pins and bushings to cause big door problems. I would agree that the sudden appearance of a door problem argues against a pin/bushing problem, but I suppose a bushing could break out even more easily than an entire hinge. I have owned 3 old squares and never had a bad hinge.

Removing and replacing door pins and bushings is not very difficult. I made a short brace out of old 2x4s to support the door, then cut the pins with a Dremel tool, then installed new pins and bushings. If you do this, make sure that you get only GM OEM pins and bushing which are still available online or from GM dealers. If you have power windows and door locks you will have to remove the switches and wiring and fish the wiring out through the access hole in the door which does complicate the process somewhat.

09-15-2016, 07:17 AM	#5
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,198	Re: Door hinges I would open the door, hold it by the handle end, and jiggle the door up and down. While you are doing that, look at the hinges. You should be able to see if the hinge and/or the pins and bushings are moving. It does not take much slop for pins and bushings to cause big door problems. I would agree that the sudden appearance of a door problem argues against a pin/bushing problem, but I suppose a bushing could break out even more easily than an entire hinge. I have owned 3 old squares and never had a bad hinge. Removing and replacing door pins and bushings is not very difficult. I made a short brace out of old 2x4s to support the door, then cut the pins with a Dremel tool, then installed new pins and bushings. If you do this, make sure that you get only GM OEM pins and bushing which are still available online or from GM dealers. If you have power windows and door locks you will have to remove the switches and wiring and fish the wiring out through the access hole in the door which does complicate the process somewhat.