Door Gaps 73-87 C10

[Pro Performance]

I have fit the door as best as possible and just can't seem to close the gaps on the door jambs. Is anybody else having this issue? What did you do to correct it?

The body line is straight where it meets the cab, so I can't raise the door any. I am guessing it is not as noticeable when you have the drip rail, but it seems excessively large on my truck.

Any help or suggestions to try is appreciated.

- Travis

[Liddy71]

I have the same problem fits nice in some places and big gaps in others

[Liddy71]

here is a few pics of mine I haven't had time to try and fix it theses are gm doors blazer is original

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Weld in filler metal. That's about as good as your going to get.
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[CHROMAHOLIC]

They're all like that.....there Chevy's not Bentleys, lol. All you can do is body work them, add where you need to....remove where to need to.
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[Pro Performance]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

Weld in filler metal. That's about as good as your going to get.
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You are saying to weld the edge of the door and grind until it fits? I have seen some people weld small diameter steel rod, but that is a little out of my skill set. Might just have to get it as best as possible and live with it.

Originally Posted by CHROMAHOLIC

They're all like that.....there Chevy's not Bentleys, lol. All you can do is body work them, add where you need to....remove where to need to.
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Haha.... I know. It just seems a little large for even a factory gap.

[maxxxy]

I've got the same problem with my truck. I think they're just all that way. I'm not a body man by any means so I look forward to seeing if you get an answer.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

You can either weld the door edge or the bodies or both.
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[Pro Performance]

Thanks for the input guys. It is too large for my liking, but it is what it is. Maybe once it is all painted the same color, it will be less noticeable.
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[mopar346]

Welding rods on the door grind to the gap you like. They are after all trucks and old ones at that.

[lilpoindexter]

I spent a weekend trying to get my gaps right...I would get it close in the front, then the back would be messed up...I would tighten up the top, and the bottom would open up, or the body line wouldnt line up..I then just tried to get the body line as close as possible, and the door shut far enough that water and noise don't enter the cab, and called it good. Yes, they all suck. The only solution, as others have noted, is to start welding.

[ecriez]

1973 Stepside, driver door sags about 1/4 inch and door is difficult to close. The hinges are solid, but the pin seems a bit loose. Do I need to replace the entire upper hinge to get proper alignment?

[Firebirdjones]

Typical issue with these trucks.

Even though welding in filler rod and then grinding it to the desired fit works well enough, it's a time consuming process that requires filler on top of that, and it's ALOT of welding, have to be carefull not to warp the panel. Sometimes the filler needed may go as far as covering the factory spot welds inside the door skin which would be a dead giveaway of work being done (if you care about that sort of thing) Generally the excepted procedure at most shops though.

What I do however is a bit quicker for me and doesn't have all the body work underneath after you're done, and more importantly keeps the factory appearance of the inner panel.
I drill the factory spot welds for the door skin and peel the door skin back (just as you would do when installing a factory door skin), then refold for a tighter door gap, re-spot weld and done. Usually a little file work and blocking is all that's needed afterwards.

[donut]

ecriez, the bushings on the hinges are also a common problem. Repairing the hinges or replacing them is usually the first step before trying to align anything, don't be surprised if some adjustment is needed after they are replaced.

Any issues, just post up a new thread. Keep this one for when you too have questions on the door gaps, you will. IIRC, factory gaps weren't much to right home about.

Personally, I adjust for best fit and call it good, Then again, some of my trucks you could kick a cat through some of the gaps.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Two fingers fit in my blazers gap. Two fingers is still tight
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