Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dave K · 02-14-2010, 12:23 PM

Is there a tread or a how to on making 55-59 doors open close and latch like new?

Thanks

OrrieG · 02-14-2010, 04:50 PM

I do not recall a thread but here are the basics. First make sure your door hinge areas are solid and not rusted, the bottom is usually the one that rusts the worse. Get new latch hardware and receivers if yours are worn. Get new rubber, do a search there are some companies products that fit better than others. There are three adjustments. The hinge to body moves the door up and down and in and out in relationship to the cab. The hinge to door adjustment moves the door front to back and diagonally in relationship to the cab. The latch receiver moves up an down to lock in the right position once the door is centered in the cab and in and out in relationship to the back cab. Install the hinge to the cab and door. Use a floor jack to support the weight of the door, but take care not to use just enough to support the door and not spring the hinge or hinge body mount metal.

Adjust for up down in relation ship to the cab at the front, then fo the same for the back using the hinge to door bolts. Once the gaps look even and good go back and adjust the door in or out to align with the fender and cab. Keep in mind that in most cases it will not be perfect, it was not from the factory. If you want perfect gaps and alignment expect to add or remove material and spending alot of time reshaping the curves.

Once the in and out is close, install the latch receiver, closing the door with the bolt snug but not tight should get it close. This adjustment will support the door up-down and aligne the back of the door with the cab. Keep in mind when adjusting that to move one of the back corners you need to adjust the opposite diagonal door hinge bolts.

It's not hard, just takes patience. Also, if your parts are painted mask all the edges and body to preserve the paint. Good luck.

renegade6 · 02-14-2010, 05:11 PM

The stovebolt page has a separate forum just for doors with some tips on there.

I am not a fan of the original latches so, I put bearclaws on mine.

Dave K · 02-14-2010, 08:52 PM

Wow thanks for the info.

Do the after market latches work OK or do I need to hunt for NOS originals?

Is there a way to tighten up my worn door hinges?

Thanks again for the help.

Dave

renegade6 · 02-14-2010, 09:19 PM

The hinges can be rebuilt with new pins and bushings. I believe webrodder.com has an article on doing them.

I like the aftermarket latches a lot better but, there is a bit of work in putting them in if you do it like I did. There is also a new kit out but, it is pretty pricey (there was a post on here about them).

OrrieG · 02-14-2010, 10:19 PM

I found this after trying to press my pins out in one piece. Made it a piece of cake. It is for an AD but same steps work on a TF too. http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/do...ges/index.html

02-14-2010, 12:23 PM	#1
Dave K Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sebastopol Posts: 42	Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? Is there a tread or a how to on making 55-59 doors open close and latch like new? Thanks

02-14-2010, 04:50 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? I do not recall a thread but here are the basics. First make sure your door hinge areas are solid and not rusted, the bottom is usually the one that rusts the worse. Get new latch hardware and receivers if yours are worn. Get new rubber, do a search there are some companies products that fit better than others. There are three adjustments. The hinge to body moves the door up and down and in and out in relationship to the cab. The hinge to door adjustment moves the door front to back and diagonally in relationship to the cab. The latch receiver moves up an down to lock in the right position once the door is centered in the cab and in and out in relationship to the back cab. Install the hinge to the cab and door. Use a floor jack to support the weight of the door, but take care not to use just enough to support the door and not spring the hinge or hinge body mount metal. Adjust for up down in relation ship to the cab at the front, then fo the same for the back using the hinge to door bolts. Once the gaps look even and good go back and adjust the door in or out to align with the fender and cab. Keep in mind that in most cases it will not be perfect, it was not from the factory. If you want perfect gaps and alignment expect to add or remove material and spending alot of time reshaping the curves. Once the in and out is close, install the latch receiver, closing the door with the bolt snug but not tight should get it close. This adjustment will support the door up-down and aligne the back of the door with the cab. Keep in mind when adjusting that to move one of the back corners you need to adjust the opposite diagonal door hinge bolts. It's not hard, just takes patience. Also, if your parts are painted mask all the edges and body to preserve the paint. Good luck. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 02-14-2010 at 04:51 PM.

02-14-2010, 05:11 PM	#3
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Re: Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? The stovebolt page has a separate forum just for doors with some tips on there. I am not a fan of the original latches so, I put bearclaws on mine. __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

02-14-2010, 08:52 PM	#4
Dave K Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sebastopol Posts: 42	Re: Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? Wow thanks for the info. Do the after market latches work OK or do I need to hunt for NOS originals? Is there a way to tighten up my worn door hinges? Thanks again for the help. Dave

02-14-2010, 09:19 PM	#5
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Re: Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? The hinges can be rebuilt with new pins and bushings. I believe webrodder.com has an article on doing them. I like the aftermarket latches a lot better but, there is a bit of work in putting them in if you do it like I did. There is also a new kit out but, it is pretty pricey (there was a post on here about them). __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

02-14-2010, 10:19 PM	#6
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Is there a how to on fixing 55-59 doors? I found this after trying to press my pins out in one piece. Made it a piece of cake. It is for an AD but same steps work on a TF too. http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/do...ges/index.html __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 02-14-2010 at 10:20 PM.



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