Lowering drivers window frame on door

[718jwh]

Hi guys I bought a aftermarket drivers door for my 72 pickup and the window frame is to high (it's a Key parts door) it hits the roof so now I am going to have to lower it a bit to get it to fit anyone have any experience doing that and could offer up some tips ?

Thanks
John

[chiefcfd]

How is the gap on the rest of the door? Sounds like it is not centered in the opening. Did you replace the hinges? Try to post a picture for reference so we can see what is going on.

[718jwh]

Rebuilt upper hinge replaced lower hinge the gap at the lower rear of door is good gap at the upper rear of door needs to come back a bit but can't because frame hits the roof, gap at the lower front where window frame meets the skin is good but top of window frame is close if I could move top hinge on the pillar back that gap would be good but of course the back of frame hits the roof. My original door fit but new door is taller from top of frame to second body line. Can post pictures later tonight
Thanks

[merlin3]

i had the same problem.it was easy to fix,drill out the spotwelds of the frame ,lower frame into the door however far down you need. tac weld,align door on body,stand back and make sure frame is back on door correctly.only problems i had is were the frame fits to the A pillar looks weird and the guide for the door glass by the latch had to be reworked.i will never buy a aftermarket door again.

[Grumpy old man]

That's the problem with aftermarket doors ,The radius on the top of the window frame doesn't match the door opening on the body . someone posted they have addressed the problem on new doors you may have gotten older stock ?

[718jwh]

I just bought it from GMC Pauls suppose to be the new doors that fit but guess not.

[718jwh]

Here are a few pictures

[Grumpy old man]

I'd be sending that door back it has issues in a few spots . There's always the option of finding some good rust free original doors but the prices have been going up $250.00 for a passenger and $3-450.00 for nice drivers .

[718jwh]

Yeah I can send it back but I have to pay the freight since they claim door is in spec (they can make crap and call it within spec)so guess buyer beware.

[Leftlane]

Have you sent them these photos?
And what does "in spec" mean for this part anyway?
Its not exactly a "trim to fit" situation.
It fits, or it does not...period.
Granted, all these cabs have had a full life and might differ some
requireing some additional care in fitting.
BUT....the factory door fit, right.
I'd push for a replacement at their cost.
This is an issue best handeled between them and their supplier.
Shouldn't be your problem to solve, you paid retail.

[El Dorado Jim]

I agree with leftlane, the fit or not fit is not your problem it is theirs, GMC Pauls is a member here, It would not be good for business if they don't make it right for you, it shouldn't cost you anything, you are having the headache of having to get a correct fitting door, what a pita!!!! let us know what happens, it would be in their best interest to give you some great customer service.....pass this on to GMC Pauls,

[midniteblues]

you can try sinking the frame into the shell but it still wont fix the mis matched curves.

i've heard of guys reuseing the oe window frames in the new door shell.

it is a real crapper when you pay for stuff that dont fit correctly.

[718jwh]

I talked to Paul from GMC Paul's he said he did send pictures to his supplier they say the door is within specs and apparently feel the missed matched body lines are not considered defective. Paul has agreed to pay return freight so sounds like I am only on the hook for the initial shipping charge, sucks but better then paying $270.00 to get a $310.00 credit.
The thing is they claim some factory door window frames are made taller then the three original doors I measured and their door window frame is not taller then some of those taller window frames therefor its within specs, basically they are making a door that will not fit all trucks. Would of been good information to have before they sell it since they know the doors are made at the high end of the tolerances, know the measurements and know the doors will not fit all trucks. Doesn't make sense since if they made the window frame lower it would fit all trucks.
Thanks for your input !!