Hanging doors
- Thread starter Donny
- Start date
Dean Jenkins
Promoted Users
Having a helper, who isn't offended by strong language, is an essential part of hanging doors. In my experience . . .
Dean Jenkins
Promoted Users
Also helpful to identify the tree that you can go kick and scream at, ahead of time. It seems to help . . .
'68 Coronet R/T
Oldtimer
I am a one man operation so have to develop a plan that allows me enough control to get the doors mounted without destroying everything in the surrounding area.
Just prior to painting the body (all primered, sanded and sealed), I install the front fenders and doors. I make adjustments to get the gaps even and body lines looking good.
After fussing with everything, I tighten the hinge bolts to the body so they won't move and then remove the doors and fenders.
I use a fine tip pencil and trace the hinges so I have accurate position. At this point I also take measurements and pictures.
I then remove the door hinges, get them cleaned up and prepped for paint, then reinstall them in the exact same positions and tighten them down.
After painting the body, fenders, doors, etc. and before putting the fenders back on, I reinstall the doors.
Reassembly is done by double taping the edges for protection and like Shine said, using some cardboard or similar on the sill panel to help keep the door elevated enough not to scratch things up. Also, remember to place the bolts and wrenches close enough so they are easy to reach when needed.
I have an adjustable rolling stool with a nice motorcycle seat on it (gift from my wife) that I set the door on, Then while holding it steady with one hand, I slowly move it into position and starting at the top hinge, installing the bolts. Tightening just enough to prevent movement. Repeat with the bottom bolts. Slowly close the door making sure nothing is rubbing and everything is lining up properly. I use the cowl/door area to get the elevation close, then check the rocker panel/door reveal.
From this point the adjustments made should be in very small increments. Next you reinstall the fenders.
One thing I do is take lots of pictures while disassembling the vehicle, take measurements, write notes, etc.
Hope this helps?
Just prior to painting the body (all primered, sanded and sealed), I install the front fenders and doors. I make adjustments to get the gaps even and body lines looking good.
After fussing with everything, I tighten the hinge bolts to the body so they won't move and then remove the doors and fenders.
I use a fine tip pencil and trace the hinges so I have accurate position. At this point I also take measurements and pictures.
I then remove the door hinges, get them cleaned up and prepped for paint, then reinstall them in the exact same positions and tighten them down.
After painting the body, fenders, doors, etc. and before putting the fenders back on, I reinstall the doors.
Reassembly is done by double taping the edges for protection and like Shine said, using some cardboard or similar on the sill panel to help keep the door elevated enough not to scratch things up. Also, remember to place the bolts and wrenches close enough so they are easy to reach when needed.
I have an adjustable rolling stool with a nice motorcycle seat on it (gift from my wife) that I set the door on, Then while holding it steady with one hand, I slowly move it into position and starting at the top hinge, installing the bolts. Tightening just enough to prevent movement. Repeat with the bottom bolts. Slowly close the door making sure nothing is rubbing and everything is lining up properly. I use the cowl/door area to get the elevation close, then check the rocker panel/door reveal.
From this point the adjustments made should be in very small increments. Next you reinstall the fenders.
One thing I do is take lots of pictures while disassembling the vehicle, take measurements, write notes, etc.
Hope this helps?
Chris_Hamilton
Trying to be the best me, I can be
In case anyone is interested, Chevman has gone into some detail on here about indexing hinges so that you can align, then remove and reinstall and not have to endlessy try to adjust the door to get it to where it was before. I'll try and find where he posted the info and link to it.