Adjusting Door?

Shims?

 

I'd start with new hinge pins. They're not a piece of cake to do, but could make a difference.

BTW, there are some pretty lousy replacement ones out there. I think I got good ones from Dennis McCann, but I have to tell you, I'm not 100% sure.

But, that's where I'd start.

DM

 

It is not the hinge, it is the latch on the door frame secured by 4 allen-head screws. Loosen and adjust (not only up and down but in and out). Simple trial and error job.
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noo!!!! hinge pins were the biggest pain! not a great place to start

 

I got the feeling from his post that the doors sag, not that they are misaligned, which I think is a completely different matter.

Saggy doors, meaning when he closes them the have to slide up to catch the latch. Misaligned doors will catch the latch ok, but don't line up with the other body panels when closed.

Perhaps we need clarification as to the true nature of the problem.

DM

 

I just did the alignment on my coupe doors and hinge pins can make a big difference. Not too many got greased over the years as a special adapter was needed for the fittings. You can tell if the pins are worn by opening the door a little and lifting up and down. Should be virtually no play. Hinge pins are a pain but if they need to come out so be it. A little slop in the hinge translates to a lot of sag in the door and I would correct this first before messing with the latch.

 

If the hinges are badly worn new pins wont help as they are 9mm diameter like the originals.If its just the pins you may be ok. My advice first check the pin size for wear. If you find they are not badly worn and it is the hinges them selves then its more fun for you.The easiest way to check the hinges is to get a set of metric drills in 0.1 increments start with 9mm and then work up until you find the size that will best fit the now worn holes (bear in mind all 4 hinges could be different) armed with these sizes get a new set made up by a local machine shop,just give them the old one and ask for them to be made to the new sizes.I drilled the grease hole down the center full depth then cross drilled it so the grease comes out on all three hinge sections(this helps ).This will remove most if not all of the play. I know theres more because i had to do a lot more to mine which i can explain if any body wants me to.And i can provide sketches if needed.
Or take it to a specialist and get them to fit bushes and new pins. Good luck either way

 

I agree with Jon - removing the pins is a sure way to damage the door edge or rocker edge. It is nearly impossible to remove even well-lubricated pins without a great deal of cursing and paint chipping. If one really cares for the car, and the pins have never been lubricated, start today by dripping rust penetrator down the side of each pin Do this every other day or so. Plan on a week or two during the winter holiday season, 2009. You will need an impact chisel, ear plugs, and some custom-made drifts. Have fun.

The pins are meant to be disposable. Never to be used again. (Never, ever, seen someone remove them and not damage them beyond repair).

Body shop gorillas solve this problem daily, and in a much more practical and time-efficient manner. They simply swing the door open, and apply a great deal of firm force to pull the door up or push it down, depending upon the alignment issue. The hinge attachment to the door will bend a few millimeters to change the alignment.

It works. Trust me. Then fine tune the closing action as Jon suggested, by loosening the door-jam catch mechanism and lining it up with the door latch.

I would only replace the pins if there is visible play at the hinge. If this is the case, then ask a local machine shop for a 9 mm rod to test the door and frame holes. If the holes allow the pin to slide easily without play, then standard pins will work. However, if there is play, then one may have to drill out the 3 holes of each hinge to 10 millimeter and use an oversize pin, or drill out to 12 millimeter and insert a bushing. Use a bottle brush to first clean the hinge holes, lubricate, and then test.

Jim S.