door problem


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By steinauge - 11 Years Ago
The drivers door on my 55 mainline 4 door just wont cooperate.I have rebuilt the hinges and installed a new striker plate.with the door hinges set all the way to the right the door is still a good 1\4" from being flush with the body-more at the top than the bottom.The door opens and closes easily but when closed you can move the door in and out quite a bit.I have adjusted the striker plate as much as I can.The other doors fit Ok. I have carefully looked at the latching mechanism in the door itself and it doesnt seem to be unduly worn.Any ideas?
By Lou - 11 Years Ago
Are you sure you put the hiunges back in the right place, and in the correct way?
By steinauge - 11 Years Ago
Yes,I took them apart one at a time.I also have a junk door for comparison.I sure wish I could figure this out!
By lyonroad - 11 Years Ago
You may have already done this but the door hinges need to be adjusted where they bolt, both to the door post and to the door.  This can be extremely time consuming and awkward.  My experience is a multitude of trial and error adjustments and, as you know, the doors are heavy.  I used only two bolts on the hinge to door mount until I got it where itseemed to be best.  Watch the edge of the door and the edge of the fender.  You can easily scrape some paint off if your initial adjustments are off.  I would set the door to hinge bolts first then adjust the hinge to door pillar bolts second.  Good luck.
By Jimz Bird - 11 Years Ago
There is a "contraption" on pg 316 of the 56 Shop Manual that is used to adjust(bend) doors. Maybe you need something like that.
By steinauge - 11 Years Ago
Thank you both.I was not aware that the hinges were adjustable in the door.I had thought about the padded 2X4 "door adjuster" but wanted to try everything else first!
By MoonShadow - 11 Years Ago
Did you put new rubber on the door? Sometimes that will cause a problem initially. Chuck
By oldcarmark - 11 Years Ago
steinauge (7/31/2014)
Thank you both.I was not aware that the hinges were adjustable in the door.I had thought about the padded 2X4 "door adjuster" but wanted to try everything else first!

You may end up using that 2x4.Sometimes a little adjustment to the window frame is required.Make sure the window is down and the Vent Window is open.
If you have a Shop Manual it shows the Door being "adjusted" either at the top or the actual Door itself. The bolts on the pillar adjust the door in or out when closed.The ones on the Door are used to centre the Door in the opening.Trial and error and lots of patience required..Also remove the Striker Plate altogether until you are happy with the Door fit.Striker gets adjusted last.