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

hops · 09-14-2016, 09:11 PM

My dad is having issues with his drivers door. Truck was redone some time ago, and sat for a while. I don't know if the hinges were replaced, but I do know the springs work now, prior they didnt.
He has to lift up on the handle, rather hard, to close the door. Is this a bad hinge, or something else. Neighbor thinks it's the upper hinge, I only took a quick look.
If it is the hinges, does the fender need to come off?

**TKCR** · 09-14-2016, 09:23 PM

Pins & bushings probably need replaced. Once the bushings are shot, the door usually drops out of alignment.

**1774btcrew** · 09-14-2016, 10:51 PM

Something to consider as well is that these are known for cracking at the hinges. Door are flung open repeatedly an over extended. In time this ends up cracking the door.

hops · 09-15-2016, 12:13 AM

This was an over night type thing, not a gradual progression. That still mean hinge replacement?
It was get it running, sell the camper, drive, oh poop, the door is messed up.

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.

hops · 09-15-2016, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the replies. I haven't had a chance to really look into it, but will now have something to look for.

09-14-2016, 09:11 PM	#1
hops Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 41	Door hinges My dad is having issues with his drivers door. Truck was redone some time ago, and sat for a while. I don't know if the hinges were replaced, but I do know the springs work now, prior they didnt. He has to lift up on the handle, rather hard, to close the door. Is this a bad hinge, or something else. Neighbor thinks it's the upper hinge, I only took a quick look. If it is the hinges, does the fender need to come off?

09-14-2016, 09:23 PM	#2
TKCR Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,924	Re: Door hinges Pins & bushings probably need replaced. Once the bushings are shot, the door usually drops out of alignment. __________________ FB Page for my Seats Belts https://www.facebook.com/73-87-Chevy...9439407476735/ Restoring Seatbelts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=809750 SOLD My 86 Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654972 Past Restored Bench Seats:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=715398 PayPal link to pay for your items: https://www.paypal.me/TKCR

09-14-2016, 10:51 PM	#3
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,557	Re: Door hinges Something to consider as well is that these are known for cracking at the hinges. Door are flung open repeatedly an over extended. In time this ends up cracking the door. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

09-15-2016, 12:13 AM	#4
hops Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 41	Re: Door hinges This was an over night type thing, not a gradual progression. That still mean hinge replacement? It was get it running, sell the camper, drive, oh poop, the door is messed up.

09-15-2016, 07:17 AM	#5
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,188	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.

09-15-2016, 08:14 PM	#6
hops Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 41	Re: Door hinges Thanks for the replies. I haven't had a chance to really look into it, but will now have something to look for.

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