Door alignment - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nima · 02-05-2016, 06:22 PM

How can I align this door? As you may be able to see in the picture the gap on the red arrows are closer and the gap on the green arrow is wider. The door doesn't close nicely. I have to slam it and even when slamming it it doesn't close all the way. I see there are two hinges. Is it as simple as just loosening them and the align the door? I thought to ask before I mess up anything else!
Thanks,

Possmguts · 02-05-2016, 06:28 PM

Is that an after market door? Looks like that fender could go forward, and the door need tilted back and lifted a bit... hows the hinge pins? Any slop in the hinges will cause you to not be able to do much with it.

Nima · 02-05-2016, 06:34 PM

I don't think it is an after market door but I can't say for sure since I am not the original owner. Sorry to sound stupid but how can I say if there is slop on hinge pin or not? Just grab the door and see if there is a play? What happens if there is a slop on hinge pin? Need to replace them?

Possmguts · 02-05-2016, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nima

I don't think it is an after market door but I can't say for sure since I am not the original owner. Sorry to sound stupid but how can I say if there is slop on hinge pin or not? Just grab the door and see if there is a play? What happens if there is a slop on hinge pin? Need to replace them?

Yeah.. if you can pick up on the door then the pins need replaced... you'll never be able to get it adjusted if those pins are worn... you will have to start with that first..

Davidf · 02-05-2016, 06:40 PM

The rear of the door needs to go down. Also, the fender needs to go forward. Do adjust the door, the fender must be removed anyway to access the hinge to body bolts. It could be that the door should be adjusted in/out some as well...but cannot see that in photo. After the door is perfectly positioned in the opening, then turn your attention to the strike plate to make the door latch properly.

Nima · 02-05-2016, 07:46 PM

Okay, the process is: check the hinge pin first, if there is no movement/play, remove the fender, loosen the door hinges and adjust the door and line up (or is it adjustable?) the door striker and then put the fender back, correct?
Thanks

hugger6933 · 02-05-2016, 10:34 PM

The adjustment goes as follows the body side hinge bolt will allow the door to move front to back and the door side in and out. Now both end will offer a very minute adjustment the other way wit the use of shims so before removing the fender try some shims on the top hing to allow the door to "twist in the pocket" [Pocket is what bodymen refer to as the door opening when we don't say door opening]
Yes, the best way to check the hinge pins is to open the door and try to wiggle it up and down of course it is already gonna be down so I guess see if it moves upwards.

Anytime you have to adjust panels ALWAYS start with the panel that is against a fixed panel. Meaning in the case of the truck doors. Then move to the fender then the hood.

Davidf · 02-06-2016, 11:17 AM

Huh? Don't use shims at the hinges, not necessary as you have more than enough in/out, forward/back, up/down adjustability of each hinge individually. Consequently, the door can be rotated or "twisted" in the opening.

hugger6933 · 02-06-2016, 12:55 PM

In this case where the door needs to move or rotate in the pocket it would be fine to use a couple shims on the top of the body side hinge. That way you could rotate the door and not have to remove the fender to get the fit you need/want. I think that the pin/bushings are NOT gonna be a big issue here because the door is hanging the wrong way for bad b&p's. If the pins and bushing were the and I do mean THE main problem causing the misalignment problem the door would be hanging the opposite way. Meaning the top back would be touching and the front lower part would be real close to the fender.

Nima · 02-10-2016, 01:23 PM

So, I need help!
I took the fender off, loosened up the total 6 bolts on the door hinges, move the door up and down until I got what I though is the best combination (the pictures) although the RIGHT lower corner looks narrower than all other gaps but I don't know how much I can mess with it (any tips??). Now the main problem is the striker/door latch: when I lined up the door as best as I could and when I close the door, the striker pushes up the door (beside making this loud metal to metal nose) in a way that the door gaps all gets the same as the original pictures that I posted. How can I align the striker (or door latch that you see in picture) since it seems there is not much room to move it up and down? How can I determine how many spacers/shims do I need since it seems somebody put too many of them?
Sorry if some of the pictures are slightly blurry.
Thanks,

cooperhw · 02-10-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nima

So, I need help!
I took the fender off, loosened up the total 6 bolts on the door hinges, move the door up and down until I got what I though is the best combination (the pictures) although the RIGHT lower corner looks narrower than all other gaps but I don't know how much I can mess with it (any tips??). Now the main problem is the striker/door latch: when I lined up the door as best as I could and when I close the door, the striker pushes up the door (beside making this loud metal to metal nose) in a way that the door gaps all gets the same as the original pictures that I posted. How can I align the striker (or door latch that you see in picture) since it seems there is not much room to move it up and down? How can I determine how many spacers/shims do I need since it seems somebody put too many of them?
Sorry if some of the pictures are slightly blurry.
Thanks,

You gotta adjust the strike too. I have had to elongate the holes a little bit a time or two in order to get the adjustment I needed.

Possmguts · 02-13-2016, 01:36 AM

that door just looks strange to me.. like its an aftermarket door.. the back doesnt look like its a straight line... if thats the case, you may never get it right...

66clow · 02-23-2016, 02:07 AM

The door doesn't look bad up top wondering if the cab side panel was ever hit and replaced or poorly repaired. Check it closely for any prior repairs.

VDOG · 11-07-2016, 06:21 PM

Im having door alignment problems because its a different cab with my old doors. Change the striker plates to my old ones now cant get anything to line up. Frustrating.

02-05-2016, 06:22 PM	#1
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Door alignment How can I align this door? As you may be able to see in the picture the gap on the red arrows are closer and the gap on the green arrow is wider. The door doesn't close nicely. I have to slam it and even when slamming it it doesn't close all the way. I see there are two hinges. Is it as simple as just loosening them and the align the door? I thought to ask before I mess up anything else! Thanks, Attached Images __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

02-05-2016, 06:28 PM	#2
Possmguts Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Columbiana Ohio Posts: 1,210	Re: Door alignment Is that an after market door? Looks like that fender could go forward, and the door need tilted back and lifted a bit... hows the hinge pins? Any slop in the hinges will cause you to not be able to do much with it. __________________ "Hey... its only time and money right? Just do it." 67 Short Bed under major construction http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=651356&page=8

02-05-2016, 06:34 PM	#3
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Re: Door alignment I don't think it is an after market door but I can't say for sure since I am not the original owner. Sorry to sound stupid but how can I say if there is slop on hinge pin or not? Just grab the door and see if there is a play? What happens if there is a slop on hinge pin? Need to replace them? __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

02-05-2016, 06:40 PM	#5
Davidf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin Posts: 749	Re: Door alignment The rear of the door needs to go down. Also, the fender needs to go forward. Do adjust the door, the fender must be removed anyway to access the hinge to body bolts. It could be that the door should be adjusted in/out some as well...but cannot see that in photo. After the door is perfectly positioned in the opening, then turn your attention to the strike plate to make the door latch properly.

02-05-2016, 07:46 PM	#6
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Re: Door alignment Okay, the process is: check the hinge pin first, if there is no movement/play, remove the fender, loosen the door hinges and adjust the door and line up (or is it adjustable?) the door striker and then put the fender back, correct? Thanks __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

02-05-2016, 10:34 PM	#7
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,280	Re: Door alignment The adjustment goes as follows the body side hinge bolt will allow the door to move front to back and the door side in and out. Now both end will offer a very minute adjustment the other way wit the use of shims so before removing the fender try some shims on the top hing to allow the door to "twist in the pocket" [Pocket is what bodymen refer to as the door opening when we don't say door opening] Yes, the best way to check the hinge pins is to open the door and try to wiggle it up and down of course it is already gonna be down so I guess see if it moves upwards. Anytime you have to adjust panels ALWAYS start with the panel that is against a fixed panel. Meaning in the case of the truck doors. Then move to the fender then the hood.

02-06-2016, 11:17 AM	#8
Davidf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin Posts: 749	Re: Door alignment Huh? Don't use shims at the hinges, not necessary as you have more than enough in/out, forward/back, up/down adjustability of each hinge individually. Consequently, the door can be rotated or "twisted" in the opening.

02-06-2016, 12:55 PM	#9
hugger6933 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Marianna Arkansas Posts: 7,280	Re: Door alignment In this case where the door needs to move or rotate in the pocket it would be fine to use a couple shims on the top of the body side hinge. That way you could rotate the door and not have to remove the fender to get the fit you need/want. I think that the pin/bushings are NOT gonna be a big issue here because the door is hanging the wrong way for bad b&p's. If the pins and bushing were the and I do mean THE main problem causing the misalignment problem the door would be hanging the opposite way. Meaning the top back would be touching and the front lower part would be real close to the fender.

02-10-2016, 01:23 PM	#10
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Re: Door alignment So, I need help! I took the fender off, loosened up the total 6 bolts on the door hinges, move the door up and down until I got what I though is the best combination (the pictures) although the RIGHT lower corner looks narrower than all other gaps but I don't know how much I can mess with it (any tips??). Now the main problem is the striker/door latch: when I lined up the door as best as I could and when I close the door, the striker pushes up the door (beside making this loud metal to metal nose) in a way that the door gaps all gets the same as the original pictures that I posted. How can I align the striker (or door latch that you see in picture) since it seems there is not much room to move it up and down? How can I determine how many spacers/shims do I need since it seems somebody put too many of them? Sorry if some of the pictures are slightly blurry. Thanks, Attached Images __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner Last edited by Nima; 02-10-2016 at 01:39 PM.

02-13-2016, 01:36 AM	#12
Possmguts Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Columbiana Ohio Posts: 1,210	Re: Door alignment that door just looks strange to me.. like its an aftermarket door.. the back doesnt look like its a straight line... if thats the case, you may never get it right... __________________ "Hey... its only time and money right? Just do it." 67 Short Bed under major construction http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=651356&page=8

02-23-2016, 02:07 AM	#13
66clow Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Clearwater Beach Florida Posts: 872	Re: Door alignment The door doesn't look bad up top wondering if the cab side panel was ever hit and replaced or poorly repaired. Check it closely for any prior repairs.

11-07-2016, 06:21 PM	#14
VDOG Grand PooBaa Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: LA, CA Posts: 5,302	Re: Door alignment Im having door alignment problems because its a different cab with my old doors. Change the striker plates to my old ones now cant get anything to line up. Frustrating.

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