2016/05/31 10:43:42
jpayne
So it looks like something's moved over the last 12 months since the doors were last fitted.
Perhaps the welding of the roll cage front feet has distorted the lower? A pillar and door hinges.
Both doors bolt up fine and easily and swing freely. However closing both against the body and its obvious there is a problem. probably 20mm sag to the rear.
the doors will engage with the strike plate with a big push, momentum bending whatever to allow them to close, the alignment then is fine, body creases match and the gaps aren't too bad (bit tight on passenger rear) but opening them is now very, very difficult.
What alignment techniques are available to me before I cut and shut one or both hinges?
I have tried levering the door, and managed to lift the shell off its supports, ive tried a jack and block of wood under the door.
I've currently removed both lower hinge pin bolts and the door closes fine with about 3-5mm displacement to lower hinge.
my last resort action is to cut the lower hinge, align door all around then refix the hinge and pray!

Please help.

Justin
2016/05/31 12:58:37
martymexico
Lump hammer them into place or use a pipe wrench (stilson) .
If the guards are off, and you can get to the hinges with a cutter like a sawzall so minimal heat will affect the metal , I'd be cutting and welding them to suit.
I had a similar problem with my van as I replaced both floors, inner &outer sills ,both hinge posts. .. Even tho i braced it all up the darn thing still moved. ..i used a bolt in one hinge that was shaved like a wedge to make up for the misalignment, found out after I'd painted it !!
2016/05/31 18:13:37
jpayne
Thanks Marty, are the hinges not just steel? welding will certainly heat them up? so the cutting operation is irrelevant?
I've had a bash with a hammer on the chassis part of the hinge (doors are off) and may be making process....but should I be using a hammer?
2016/05/31 20:45:24
martymexico
Its half inch steel so bashing with a hammer prolly ain't going to hurt it.
With the heat thing , i was only thinking with a grinder it could slice a gap too wide to Weld back on.
My brother suggested to cut almost all way thru top to bottom .... then gently (?) Knock it to the right position as it's weakened and will flex but not brake ,(it's easier to bend 3 or 4mm than 12mm) ,then Weld it solid once in place. If this makes sense. .

© 2025 APG vNext Trial Version 5.1

Use My Existing Forum Account

Use My Social Media Account