54 3100 door removal tips?

[vintovka]

I understand its best to remove doors for weatherstrip install. Can you mark bolt positions to insure accurate re-install? My doors are near perfect after rebuild and don't want to mess with success.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714917

[MARTINSR]

I personally have never done it but you can drill a small hole through the door and hinge between the bolts and that would tell you the exact spot they were. But just marking around the bolts will do it, it just may take a little fine tuning to hit it right. Where as drilling the hole you could get it right on the money by inserting something into the hole that is the same size.

But if you decide to drill the hole, mark around the bolts too as that is a much easier way to get it close before you put a rod or screw or what ever into the hole to make it perfect.

Brian

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I personally have never done it but you can drill a small hole through the door and hinge between the bolts and that would tell you the exact spot they were. But just marking around the bolts will do it, it just may take a little fine tuning to hit it right. Where as drilling the hole you could get it right on the money by inserting something into the hole that is the same size.

But if you decide to drill the hole, mark around the bolts too as that is a much easier way to get it close before you put a rod or screw or what ever into the hole to make it perfect.

Brian

Thanks!! Brilliant idea and will do. A real machinists suggestion!! Now all i need is the strength to lift them off. May need help.

[mr48chev]

It works best with a helper going both ways.

If you do not have a helper a bench that is just lower than the bottom of the door that you can slide the door out on helps a bunch. I've seen adjustable roller door holder setups in a couple of body shops where the owners worked alone a lot. Just a rack the right height mounted on a roller cart that holds the door in position so you don't have to fight with it.

[dwcsr]

As suggested drill a pilot hole but make sure its 3/16 or larger, I have snapped off smaller bits in the hinge and they are a PIA to get out, They usually snap off just long enough so you can't pull the door off, Door aren't heavy so you should be able to get it by your self if its already painted tap off the edges and get a helper

[hogfarm]

drilling the hole is the only way to go

[mr48chev]

Make sure your pin goes in before you take it apart. It wouldn't be too good if when you put it back together you discovered that your holes were drilled a few thousandths smaller than the actual pin size. I like the idea of using a 1/4 inch hole and pin too.

I battled for hours in 1981/82 when I redid my truck and spent hours getting things lined up after painting it. No internet in those days and not too many sources for help except a guy's buddies who had more experience than we did.

[vintovka]

Going the hole route. Have some 1/4" TIN bit and will do top and bottom hinges. In think using a tampered pin or inserting the shank of the bit may be best way to align

[mongocanfly]

When I redid my 81 the doors and hood were perfect fit..it only had 22k on it..I drilled the holes and used roll pins when I put it back together..it was all perfect again after paint..no adj needed..