adjust doors

[DRBOB]

Hello to all:
I just installed a driver's door..what is the proper way to align it?
Spent a couple of hours yesterday and it is still out of alignment.

Thanks.
Bob

 

[John Larkin]

Tape some paint stirring sticks to your door frame at the rocker and the B pillar. These are just about right for the gap. Then start adjusting the door so it closes just barely missing them, even lightly touching them with free movement. Have a floor jack handy under the bottom of the door so you can support it while open. Pad it with a few rags and use it to raise and lower the door as you loosen and retighten bolts. Remember that the door is adjustable in, out, up, down, and slant. You will probably end up with a gap that is larger between the fender & door than the door & quarter panel. This is normal. Make sure the window is dropped slightly so it doesn't affect the door alignment itself. Try to get the door level on the rocker first, then see if it needs to go inward at the top or bottom next. Watch the body line and ensure it lines up properly. Sometimes removing the striker pin on the door frame makes it easier since it doesn't have to latch during adjustment. You can reinstall & adjust the striker pin afterward. If you have worn hinges, repair or replace them first. Also have some body shims available if the door needs to go rearward; they will have to be placed between the hinge and the door shell.

 

[DRBOB]

door adjust

Thanks for the information.

Bob

 

[v8skantkeepup]

I have been working on a Regal, doing door repacements and prep for a new coat of paint. When I put my doors on, I aligned the rocker first, then went to the rear of the door, as Mr. Larkin mentioned. When I was finally happy with how they were adjusted at those two spots, the fender-to-door gap was very ugly. I didn't have the hood on and adjusted the fenders till I was happy with that gap, then I stood back and said to myself, "You DUMASS,you moved the fenders without the hood on?!!(DUH
)". Needless to say, I bolted the hood and had to re-adjust the fenders again. Luckily, I wasn't that far off.
The doors I took off the car had just a bit of rust along the bottom, and I was lucky enough to score a set that were near mint. The doors that I took off DID fit, and were perfectly adjusted on every edge. The doors I put on had all the same accessories, and were even from the same year Regal, which leads me to believe that doors from two different cars may not have the exact same dimentions, even if they are virtually identicle. It was obviosly apperent in my case! And it probobly goes for more than just the doors.-Food-for-thaught

 

[v6turbojunkie]

Originally posted by DRBOB
Hello to all:
I just installed a driver's door..what is the proper way to align it?
Spent a couple of hours yesterday and it is still out of alignment.

Thanks.
Bob

Wouldn't hurt to have an extra set of hands. Gearwrenches help too!! I did both of mine almost exactly how John Larkin described and worked great, especially the part about taking off the striker pin.