Coupe door fit

[Richard J.]

Just had mine painted. Doors were removed obviously, and now they don't go back to proper fit. I've read the adjustment threads, and thy don't seem to have a really good technique listed for the adjustment procedure. No one is taking a 2 X 4 to my door.

My first question is, why would you even consider removing shims that have been there for 42 years, merely because of paint? GM thought they were needed, so that's probably the case IMHO.

Is there a trick or an alignment procedure that makes this easier? For me, moving the door one direction, changes the alignment in all different directions.... Not doing well... Help please?

[Richard J.]

Re: Coupe door fit

BTW... I'm a noob. First post so be gentle...

[John H.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Richard -

It's common practice when removing doors to write down how many shims are in each attachment, and/or to drill a 1/8" hole through the complete "sandwich" before disassembly to help re-align the doors to the body. Did your painter do that?

[Edward J.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Rich, sometimes theres a outline of the where the bolts were. and the outline of the hinge.

[Richard J.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Richard -

It's common practice when removing doors to write down how many shims are in each attachment, and/or to drill a 1/8" hole through the complete "sandwich" before disassembly to help re-align the doors to the body. Did your painter do that?

Dang John... that just makes too much sense. Sorry, neither the painter nor myself were that smart. Starting from ground zero.

[Richard J.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Rich, sometimes theres a outline of the where the bolts were. and the outline of the hinge.

There are no marks that are usable... just gonna be trial and error I guess....

[Stephen L.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Tape up the edges to avoid nicks and have at it...trial and error.

Having a helper will aid in the job.

[Jerry M.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Rich
Refitting coupe doors can be a real challenge.
You didn't mention anything about the weatherstrips, but if they were replaced, it can push out the door along the top edge and add to your woes. If the weatherstrip is fairly soft (like Corvette Rubber tends to be) it shouldn't give you too much trouble. If it is harder and not readily compressible, it can cause problems.
Just something to consider.
Jerry

[Richard J.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Rich
Refitting coupe doors can be a real challenge.
You didn't mention anything about the weatherstrips, but if they were replaced, it can push out the door along the top edge and add to your woes. If the weatherstrip is fairly soft (like Corvette Rubber tends to be) it shouldn't give you too much trouble. If it is harder and not readily compressible, it can cause problems.
Just something to consider.
Jerry

Yes, I replaced the door weatherstrip. Car leaked like a sieve around the top of the doors. New gaskets, and the car painted... Still leaks now cuz I can't adjust the doors.

Birdcage is fine BTW, water leak was around the lead edge of the door...

[Timothy B.]

Re: Coupe door fit

GM weatherstrip is to hard. There must be a big difference between the NOS stuff and the production line rubber. On my 63, I had to remove the GM door weatherstrips because the tops would not sit anywhere near flush.

Sometimes I think it's better to fit the doors with rubber installed but I know that is not how assembly line workers did it. If I ever paint another, the doors will be installed and adjusted just like assembly line before paint.

That being said, you can get it right with patience..

[Gene M.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Mike,
I suggest if you had the hinges removed that you make sure they are "sitting" in the same original positions. Having them (all 4) in different positions will cause differences in door attitude. Another thing to mention, did you repin and bush the hinges? That will have a big affect.

The original rubber is always the best choice. Corvette Rubber strips are ok. But you may need to let the doors sit closed for awhile (week) in warmth to take a set and not puff at tops.

[Timothy H.]

Re: Coupe door fit

Rich,

This is what has worked for me: You will need three people - two people to hold the door exatly where you want it on the outside of the car and have the third person on the inside to tighten up the bolts. Note you must have the correct amount of shims and the weatherstrip in place. I always do my body work with the weatherstrips in place so the gaps come out just right. The weatherstrips can get damaged by this method but it is just part of the expense of doing the job correctly. I put on another set of weatherstrips when paint has been finished. Good luck.

Tim H.