Large Door Gap

[Pro Performance]

I removed my drip rails from my truck, and now I can't seem to tighten the gap between the upper part of the door and the cab. It seems like no matter how I adjust the door, I just cant seem to get it to fit better.

Is this common? How can I fix this?

[old Rusty C10]

you may want to have this moved to body section

[BigRed76]

this happened to me. I ended up installing a few washers between the lower door hinge and the door, but my problem was only with the top rear of the door. If you need the whole door to go higher, then adjust the hinges all the way up on the cab, and then move the door all the way up on the hinges.

[Pro Performance]

I did move the hinges all the way up, and I think the door it too, but I will have to double check. SO no one else has a problem with larger than normal gaps?

[xs-style]

Dont feel alone. Ive got the same issue, I just havent fixed it yet. Thats kinda why I checked this thread. Hopefully bigred's info will help me straighten mine up.

[BigRed76]

Maybe it would help to clarify...how big is the gap above your door right now?

[tucsonjwt]

Do you mean distance of the door away from the cab outward, or vertical distance up and down from the rocker panel? Vertical height might require new door hinge pins if you can grab the edge of the door and wiggle it up and down a little. If you open the door and it drops a little, then hinge pins are probably in order.

[DetroitDan]

I replaced all four doors on my crewcab by myself, got them close enough so they open and close without hitting anything, but they are all crooked and I can't get them right. I'm going to ask a bodyman friend to fix them for me.

[turner16]

this is a real talent to do. Its actually easiest to take the fenders off so you can raise and lower the actual hinge.

[Pro Performance]

I have all new hinges, and the doors are lined up to the body line, but still seems to have a big gap. If I move them up more, then the body line doesn't line up. I figured this just might be the way the trucks were built form the factory, and is now more noticeable since I have removed the drip rails.

I will take some photos tonight.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Street3285

.... I figured this just might be the way the trucks were built form the factory, and is now more noticeable since I have removed the drip rails....

If you have the body line squared up, then you can't close the gap any more. You are correct that is just the way it is from the factory.

If you want to close the gaps to modern standards, you will need to add metal to the edges. A common body trick is to weld a piece of rod along the door edge. If your planning on painting it and want clean gaps, your going to need a capable body man to get it right.

[Pro Performance]

Here are some pictures.

[BigRed76]

All of the gaps look normal to me. I think the absence of the drip rails is what made you notice the gap at the top.
Posted via Mobile Device

[78 Chevyrado]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

All of the gaps look normal to me. I think the absence of the drip rails is what made you notice the gap at the top.
Posted via Mobile Device

x2

[broey]

looks normal to me.

[Pro Performance]

Ok, well if that is normal, then I am Ok with it. It just seemed the gaps at the front and back of the door were a lot smaller than the top. The doors shut really nice, and I am sure once the truck and jambs are one color it might be less noticeable.

Thanks guys.

[mooseknuckles]

a good bodyman can close those gaps up with some filler

[motornut]

mine looks about the same on the jimmy
didn't see it mentioned but a way to save some work is to drill a small nail hole before removing the hinge and as long as the same doors go back it can be used to line them up quicly

[cfan10]

I have this too, and I hate it. bc my driver side leaks w/heavy rain or carwash, not too bad but still a pita. I can fit my finger between the gap, po replaced doors but I plan to again. I searched every truck at the junkyard. I found this flaw on one truck where door had been replaced. All others were snug.
Posted via Mobile Device

[meter swinger]

I have the same problem with my 77. its impossible to get them tight. my 59 apache, 63 wagon and 73 international all have better door gaps than the c-10. Maybe the rod is the only real fix.
Posted via Mobile Device

[motornut]

Originally Posted by cfan10

I have this too, and I hate it. bc my driver side leaks w/heavy rain or carwash, not too bad but still a pita. I can fit my finger between the gap, po replaced doors but I plan to again. I searched every truck at the junkyard. I found this flaw on one truck where door had been replaced. All others were snug.
Posted via Mobile Device

my drivers leaked ,then i changed to a 89 burb seals it stopped
weither newer/thicker i duno but it's better

[Pro Performance]

My doors don't leak, and I have new door seals installed, it just doesn't look that good. The passenger side is better in my opinion, but still room for improvement.