Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

door alignment issues after swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 26, 2009 | 12:33 PM
  #1  
strider681's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Car: '87 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L TPI (L98)
Transmission: 700R4
door alignment issues after swap

ok I've done alot of searching and reading so now I will try a new thread. I have an 87 firebird trans am and replaced my passenger door with one from what I thought was also a 1987 firebird. after removing the door panel the inside plastic weather shield on the door says 1985. I read in other posts doors from all the years 82-92 should work and fit. The problem I'm having is after putting the door in it's home with some plywood on the door sill to raise it up a bit, well it sits in perfect then when I tighten the bolts on the bottom hinge only, after i unlatch the door it won't close correctly. what it does it seemingly stick out on the top alot in the back by the latch. my driver door when i remove the striker i can push the door in and it fits in perfect, but passenger side won't push into place feels like it's hitting somewhere. and that's with the striker out completely. I replaced the lower hinge pin and bushings and didn't change much. one thing i've read is about adjusting the striker bolt, but mine don't seem to have any adjustment, the hole is only slightly bigger than the bolt. like a fool i didn't mark where the old hinges rested on the body so now it's like a guessing game. makes me wish i had just removed old bushings and left hinge attached to body. would rather have spent another $83 on the bushings and not had to worry about alignment. I replaced my driver side bushings while the door was still on the car it was much easier.

so if anyone has any suggestions, tips, or tricks involving door alignment I'd greatly appreciate it. also the upper hinge bushings on my passenger door are in good shape, no slop when i pull up on the door. Thanks guys.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2009 | 12:40 PM
  #2  
Thirdgen89GTA's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,906
Likes: 240
From: Chicagoland Suburbs
Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LT1, AFR 195cc, 231/239 LE cam.
Transmission: M28 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10bolt waiting to explode.
Re: door alignment issues after swap

Originally Posted by strider681
ok I've done alot of searching and reading so now I will try a new thread. I have an 87 firebird trans am and replaced my passenger door with one from what I thought was also a 1987 firebird. after removing the door panel the inside plastic weather shield on the door says 1985. I read in other posts doors from all the years 82-92 should work and fit. The problem I'm having is after putting the door in it's home with some plywood on the door sill to raise it up a bit, well it sits in perfect then when I tighten the bolts on the bottom hinge only, after i unlatch the door it won't close correctly. what it does it seemingly stick out on the top alot in the back by the latch. my driver door when i remove the striker i can push the door in and it fits in perfect, but passenger side won't push into place feels like it's hitting somewhere. and that's with the striker out completely. I replaced the lower hinge pin and bushings and didn't change much. one thing i've read is about adjusting the striker bolt, but mine don't seem to have any adjustment, the hole is only slightly bigger than the bolt. like a fool i didn't mark where the old hinges rested on the body so now it's like a guessing game. makes me wish i had just removed old bushings and left hinge attached to body. would rather have spent another $83 on the bushings and not had to worry about alignment. I replaced my driver side bushings while the door was still on the car it was much easier.

so if anyone has any suggestions, tips, or tricks involving door alignment I'd greatly appreciate it. also the upper hinge bushings on my passenger door are in good shape, no slop when i pull up on the door. Thanks guys.
I am not positive, I may be wrong as well.

But there might be adjustment on the actual latch located IN the door causing it to not allow the door to close.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2009 | 12:51 PM
  #3  
strider681's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Car: '87 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L TPI (L98)
Transmission: 700R4
Re: door alignment issues after swap

no the bolt holes for the latch itself have no adjustment. the thing is the door latches in and sits perfectly with no bolts tightened. but as soon as i tighten the bottom hinge and open the door it won't sit back into place even with striker bolt out. even if i get it sitting in perfect and tighten all the bolts including upper hinge does the same thing.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2009 | 08:53 PM
  #4  
strider681's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Car: '87 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L TPI (L98)
Transmission: 700R4
Re: door alignment issues after swap

well I have determined what is causing my door not to close all the way, there is a difference on the bottom of this door versus my old one. the difference is that the door comes out past the ground effects leaving a lip that isn't present on my other door. on the other one the ground effect is alot more flush with the bottom of the door. this extra lip is what is hitting and not allowing me to close the door all the way. so i've decided i either need to grind off the lip on the door, or smooth down the area where it contacts. i suppose i should measure my old door and see if this one is taller or if it's the ground effect that's shorter. if it's the gfx, then i should def smooth down the car and not the door.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Frozer!!!
Camaros for Sale
35
Jan 19, 2024 04:55 PM
IROCZDAVE (88-L98)
Interior Parts for Sale
4
Oct 6, 2016 09:08 AM
BlackTopKing
Body
18
Aug 19, 2015 12:13 PM
383backinblack
Transmissions and Drivetrain
8
Aug 15, 2015 06:36 PM
johanlindgren
Wheels and Tires
5
Aug 6, 2015 03:32 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:29 AM.