Did my drivers door last night, and man was that a HUGE pain in my ***. Since I still have the passenger side to do I think it'll go much smoother seeing how I know all the way's I screwed up the first.

Always install bolts in the narrow bolt holes first! One top, one bottom. That's the biggest mistake I made. Access the middle bolt of the bottom hinge thru the fender, it's the only way you'll get it.

My replacement hinges didn't seem to set completely in the bushing, but it was really close and I tightened the hell out of it!

Didn't have the door spring compressor tool so I used 2 pairs or plyers and a c clamp to compress the spring, then tied a coat hanger through it. the coat hanger kept it compressed enough to slide it in. Then cut the hanger and pulled it out! Bam, perfect!

also replaced my striker bolt, but I don't think it's completely necessary. Now the door closes better than it did in 1986. Remarkable really!

 

 

 

 

your door panels are beautiful! you make them yourself?

 

The car was converted from power windows to manual before I bought it, so no I didn't make/build/install them! I do like em though. I do wish I painted a little while the door was off!

Also I'd like to extend a big thanks to my buddy John Ott here at work for taking the time to always help me with the random machining/tooling help that I always come to him with.