Correcting door gaps and door fit

[bighly]

I almost hate to approach this subject in fear of a complete new paint job. My door on the drivers side does not quite shut. It also has a bit more of a gap on top than bottom. How does one go about sorting this out?

 

[piman]

Hello Bighly,

Not so easy, are the gaps at the front of the door and the bottom even?, if they are then moving the top of the door backwards (by shimming the top hinge for example), will open the top gap of the front of the door and close the gap at the rear bottom of the door along the sill. Sometimes you can achieve a compromise but to get an even gap all way around involves surgery of some sort.

Good luck,
Alec

 

[John Loftus]

Tracy, when you say "more of a gap at the top than bottom" are you talking about the gap from side view between the door and the rear fender or that the door sticks out farther at the top (contributing to the 'not quite shut' problem? A couple of things to try if it is the second case ... Is the rubber trim installed properly behind the door and the trim panels screwed down tight? You can temporarily remove the rubber trim and see if the door closes better. Sometimes the entire door is slightly twisted and you can open the door grab the top and bottom and twist it back into shape (gently!!) Also, try adjusting the door catch on the shut panel to get things to line up better.

Cheers, John

 

[Johnny]

Of course it's hard to provide a solution without seeing the car, however, you might consider haveing the hinges repinned.

Johnny, 59bn7

 

[bighly]

Thanks for the input guys. Some more details.

The gap as seen from the side view is greater on the top than bottom at the hinge side. I already have a shim under the lower hinge.

The door does not close all the way so it sticks out ever so slightly (it latches tight and does not come open). I have adjusted the striker in as far as it goes.

I will also inspect the pins, good suggestion.