Hi guys,
I decided to deal to the sloppy hinges on my 69.
I purchased both the standard hinge kit from wccc and a oversize greasable hinge kit to be sure of having both on hand during the C19
lockdown break.
I replaced the top hinge pin with the minor kit, but the lower hinge required the oversized kit .
They all went together ok so i proceeded to reinstall .
After my initial install i noticed there was almost as much up/down movement as prior to the replacement.?
How can this be !
Is there that much flex in the door frame ?
I took the entire door off by supporting it with my engine crane as it seamed easier.
removing and replacing the hinges.
How do i get the dame hinges realigned again, i seem to be going in circles, and i really DONT want to take off the front fenders.
I have a foggy memory of a Snap-on tool designed for door hinge replacement. Designed to work without removing the fenders. I might be wrong about this but have a search.
Yes, there is such a tool. Probably any of the professional tool truck suppliers would be able to sell you one. If you do a search on here you should be able to find other threads about the tool, perhaps even a photo of it. It is basically an S shaped box wrench.
If the original hinge was not too far worn then doing new bushings and pins should be enough to take out the up and down movement. Perhaps your original hinge was just too far gone?
If it were mine here is what I would do. First I would completely remove the door. If you have wiring going from the hinge pillar into the door you can disconnect it just inside the hinge pillar. Removing the kick panel may make that easier. Then get the door completely out of your way. Take both hinges off the hinge pillar. By just moving them in your hands you should be able to feel if there is still any sloop in them. If there is sloop you should probably buy a new hinge or a decent used one. Once you determine that both hinges are nice and tight you can reinstall them on the hinge pillar. You should be able to see the marks that the hinges made on the pillar so just bolt them back on in the same location. Then reinstall the door.
OK, about 8 hours later…
First it was the upper hing i put the oversize kit in, and who ever makes them should replace the 90d grease nipple with a straight version as
i screwed on the top bolt with my ratchet ring spanner to then find i couldn’t get it off because the big grease nipple was fouling the ring end.
It seams even the tiniest movement at the hinge pin, multiplyes many fold at the other end of the door (big longe doors they are )
Anyways, i used my engine lift crane to take the weight off the door hinges, left the wiring on, but totally disconnected the door from the hinges and gently swung the door out of the way to get full access to the hinge bolts.
I removed the hinges, but marked the top hinge position, then performed the nessasary surgery.
After 5 attempts to reposition the lower hinge to achieve a correct door position, by fitting, assessing how much movement is needed, removing the door, tweaking the lower hinge each time to get the door -1/4 panel fit better each time, then doing again x 5 .
Its not perfect, but it will have to suffice.
I need to adjust the striker but i cant find my impact driver so it will wait until the C19 lockdown is over and i shall have to buy another just
for this job …lol.
If i decide to do the other door i am sure i could do it in half that time, but its still a shit of a job.
Next is to adjust the door handle-locking mechanism-etc , then i can put some sound deadener inside the door panel and adjust the window
to windscreen pillar fitment.
I forgot how much maintainence these old cars need, especially after 50 years of neglect.
Thanks, I did not know that. It has been a few years since I have been on any of the tool trucks. It is a lot cheaper that way and my bill with them has been paid off for years. I would like to keep it that way.
I agree, I checked a while back on the wrench to see if someone still produced them but had no luck. I would like to have one however it would get used probably once, (maybe never at this point since my doors are installed)
Speaking of tool trucks, I like to watch the new guys make bad decisions! It’s taken most of my career to acquire and pay off my bills on a tool truck but I enjoy the fruits of those efforts now.
If I recall, a swivel 3/8 drive & long extension should do it. Wrap tape a few times around the extension, open door as far as possible (wedge/jam open) It’s tough not to touch the door edge so tape it too.
To adjust a 1x2 about 6" and covered w/ tape can be used to tap the hinge into place w/ out damage to paint. Takes lots of time.
Don’t forget the striker post. It should NOT move the door up or down. Perfect alignment makes the latch catch easily.