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Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:57 pm

The passenger door on my 74 SB is a royal pain. It seems to line up okay (maybe just a little low), but it is very hard to open and close. I've never seen a door come off so I'm not familiar with the hinge system. Is there anything I can do to adjust it without pulling it off? Or, is it easier to pull it off then start from the beginning? Thanks

Thu Dec 04, 2003 2:52 pm

Josh

There are 4 screws that attach each hindge to the door frame. loosen the screws then move the door and hold it up(i use a lift) then tighten screws. I use a impact screwdriver to loosen them. .Then close the door . If it dont shut smoothly Do process over again and aain in different motions untill it shuts right.

Ryan

Thu Dec 04, 2003 2:53 pm

Thanks...How much for an impact wrench?

Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:01 pm

In another thread you posted with the same question, somebody mentioned adjusting the striker plate. If your door lines up right then I wouldn't mess with the hinge bolts just yet because once you loosen them it's going to be a bitch to line them up again. Did you try the striker plate adjustment?

Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:11 pm

What is this striker plate adjustment?

Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:13 pm

Where the door locks onto the body. The plate that's on the body can be adjusted up and down a little so that the door catches better, and that might be worth trying first before you start messing with the door hinges.

Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:15 pm

OK, scratch my last comment. On the other thread you're saying there's no problem popping the door open. So striker plate won't matter.

Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:15 pm

Thanks

Thu Dec 04, 2003 8:46 pm

Did you try spraying some form of penetrating oil on the hinges and letting it soak in? Sometimes if the car sat for awhile the hinges can bind up. I would spray some PB blaster on them and let it sit for a day and work the hinge and repeat a few times before I messed with the adjustment.

Mike
59 single, 69 bus, 73 super

Sat Dec 06, 2003 2:37 pm

ekimthemad wrote: Did you try spraying some form of penetrating oil on the hinges and letting it soak in? Sometimes if the car sat for awhile the hinges can bind up. I would spray some PB blaster on them and let it sit for a day and work the hinge and repeat a few times before I messed with the adjustment.

excellent advice, at least if it doesnt' work, the hinges will be softened up to remove if necessary.

jeffrey

Sat Dec 06, 2003 3:17 pm

thanks for the help guys