63 door alignment issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rusty one · 05-02-2019, 07:08 PM

I know thete are a few threads on the subject but i havent heard of my issue.....
Working on a 63 and I'm replacing the drivers door..I had noticed before taking the original door off,there was an 1inch gap at the top near the edge of the windshield. I figured I'd be able to adjust it when replacing it with a rust free door.
Unfortunately I have the same gap,in the same place when i put the other door on.
All the other gaps are good. Any clue as to why this and the other door didn't line up in the same spot?
I will add...the original door would not close,it latched twice but when I pulled on the handle it opened one latch but not the other.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thankyou

**PGSigns** · 05-03-2019, 06:50 AM

Post some pictures to help us out.
Jimmy

**The Rocknrod** · 05-03-2019, 08:37 AM

Try aligning the door without the door latch or front fender first, then the front fender and cowl.

Rusty one · 05-09-2019, 05:09 PM

Sorry for the delay ...life getting in the way. Here's a few pics. I did adjust in somewhat better but the door still isn't where it should be. Maybe it's been bent??

**PGSigns** · 05-10-2019, 06:34 AM

The door needs to come up and also rotate clockwise some. I would pull the custom trim off to better see the gap. The cab also looks like it has had cab corner and rocker work as the body line drifts off in the primered area at the back of the door. That can be causing you some issues if the cab sagged some when that was done.
Jimmy

**nsb29** · 05-10-2019, 07:51 AM

I think Jimmy is correct in his assumption that the door needs to rotate clockwise and up unfortunately it is going to make the gap’s in the lower right portion of the door to open up even further that cab probably wasn’t properly braced when the rocker panels and cab corners were done assuming we are correct going by the pictures and the primer that they were replaced or worked on there could also be issues with body mounts do you know what work has been done to it were any of the floors replaced

Rusty one · 05-10-2019, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGSigns

The door needs to come up and also rotate clockwise some. I would pull the custom trim off to better see the gap. The cab also looks like it has had cab corner and rocker work as the body line drifts off in the primered area at the back of the door. That can be causing you some issues if the cab sagged some when that was done.
Jimmy

Jimmy..
It has the original rocker which I'll be replacing. As for the cab corner...yes that has had bad work done on it ( bondo galore) which will be replaced as well.
I can't rotate the door much more. The left side of the door is hitting the pillar near the windshield.
I was trying to get the door somewhat aligned before I replaced the rocker and cab corner..
I guess I should replace before trying to align.
Thankyou for your input.

Rusty one · 05-10-2019, 10:44 AM

9

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsb29

I think Jimmy is correct in his assumption that the door needs to rotate clockwise and up unfortunately it is going to make the gap’s in the lower right portion of the door to open up even further that cab probably wasn’t properly braced when the rocker panels and cab corners were done assuming we are correct going by the pictures and the primer that they were replaced or worked on there could also be issues with body mounts do you know what work has been done to it were any of the floors replaced

The floors are original bit as mentioned,the rocker is original but looks like it was worked on as well as the cab corner.
I noticed the body bushing on the opposite side (front) is loose...maybe the cab is sagging?
I'm thinking I should replace the rocker and corner before aligning the door...first time at this

**nsb29** · 05-10-2019, 04:56 PM

It needs to be rotated clockwise not counterclockwise basically the top needs to be moved to the rear and up with the bottom being moved towards the front in your situation I would replace all four body mounts and make sure your cab is sitting level on the frame your door needs to be on the truck when the rocker panels and cab corners are replaced so everything is aligned at one time so you can make any necessary adjustments you can use sheet metal screws to hold things in place that way you can come back and make necessary changes before welding But first you need your body siting solid on your frame and I even go as far as putting the jackstands under the frame on a level slab it would also be a good idea to replace your core support mount before aligning your front end

**PGSigns** · 05-13-2019, 06:46 AM

Yup get the frame on jack stands and level it up. Get a new set of body bushings and install them. Make sure they are all pulled down the same. Take a good look at the cab supports to make sure they are not sagging. If they are rotted at the rocker the rocker and that side of the floor can sag. If that cab corner was bent up before it was filled up with bondo then that could have the door opening out of square. Right now I think you cab is sagging and the door opening is no longer the shape of the door.
Jimmy

Rusty one · 05-13-2019, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Yup get the frame on jack stands and level it up. Get a new set of body bushings and install them. Make sure they are all pulled down the same. Take a good look at the cab supports to make sure they are not sagging. If they are rotted at the rocker the rocker and that side of the floor can sag. If that cab corner was bent up before it was filled up with bondo then that could have the door opening out of square. Right now I think you cab is sagging and the door opening is no longer the shape of the door.
Jimmy

Jimmy..

One of the cab supports has a small rot hole but ill be replacing it as well as the cab corners, rockers and the bushings. It's supported on jack stands on the rails. The other door I replaced fits without issues.
I'll do the best I can and post progress pics..
Thankyou for your advice

05-02-2019, 07:08 PM	#1
Rusty one Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 103	63 door alignment issues I know thete are a few threads on the subject but i havent heard of my issue..... Working on a 63 and I'm replacing the drivers door..I had noticed before taking the original door off,there was an 1inch gap at the top near the edge of the windshield. I figured I'd be able to adjust it when replacing it with a rust free door. Unfortunately I have the same gap,in the same place when i put the other door on. All the other gaps are good. Any clue as to why this and the other door didn't line up in the same spot? I will add...the original door would not close,it latched twice but when I pulled on the handle it opened one latch but not the other. Any help would be appreciated. Thankyou

05-03-2019, 06:50 AM	#2
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: 63 door alignment issues Post some pictures to help us out. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

05-03-2019, 08:37 AM	#3
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: 63 door alignment issues Try aligning the door without the door latch or front fender first, then the front fender and cowl. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

05-09-2019, 05:09 PM	#4
Rusty one Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 103	Re: 63 door alignment issues Sorry for the delay ...life getting in the way. Here's a few pics. I did adjust in somewhat better but the door still isn't where it should be. Maybe it's been bent?? Attached Images

05-10-2019, 06:34 AM	#5
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: 63 door alignment issues The door needs to come up and also rotate clockwise some. I would pull the custom trim off to better see the gap. The cab also looks like it has had cab corner and rocker work as the body line drifts off in the primered area at the back of the door. That can be causing you some issues if the cab sagged some when that was done. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic

05-10-2019, 07:51 AM	#6
nsb29 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: new smyrna beach fl / 29 palms cal Posts: 1,727	Re: 63 door alignment issues I think Jimmy is correct in his assumption that the door needs to rotate clockwise and up unfortunately it is going to make the gap’s in the lower right portion of the door to open up even further that cab probably wasn’t properly braced when the rocker panels and cab corners were done assuming we are correct going by the pictures and the primer that they were replaced or worked on there could also be issues with body mounts do you know what work has been done to it were any of the floors replaced __________________ Hand made A/C vent manifolds for 64-66 trucks adapts any aftermarket A/C to OEM vent

05-10-2019, 04:56 PM	#9
nsb29 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: new smyrna beach fl / 29 palms cal Posts: 1,727	Re: 63 door alignment issues It needs to be rotated clockwise not counterclockwise basically the top needs to be moved to the rear and up with the bottom being moved towards the front in your situation I would replace all four body mounts and make sure your cab is sitting level on the frame your door needs to be on the truck when the rocker panels and cab corners are replaced so everything is aligned at one time so you can make any necessary adjustments you can use sheet metal screws to hold things in place that way you can come back and make necessary changes before welding But first you need your body siting solid on your frame and I even go as far as putting the jackstands under the frame on a level slab it would also be a good idea to replace your core support mount before aligning your front end __________________ Hand made A/C vent manifolds for 64-66 trucks adapts any aftermarket A/C to OEM vent

05-13-2019, 06:46 AM	#10
PGSigns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Hayes Va Posts: 4,569	Re: 63 door alignment issues Yup get the frame on jack stands and level it up. Get a new set of body bushings and install them. Make sure they are all pulled down the same. Take a good look at the cab supports to make sure they are not sagging. If they are rotted at the rocker the rocker and that side of the floor can sag. If that cab corner was bent up before it was filled up with bondo then that could have the door opening out of square. Right now I think you cab is sagging and the door opening is no longer the shape of the door. Jimmy __________________ 60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic



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