I recently got hold of a 64 conv. The body is mint (repainted 6+ years ago). All the seams look straight. Frame shows no signs of rust. Problem is on the drivers door. I need to lift it while I close it. I don't think it is a rusty cage because when I lift the door up and down when it's open, there is no real movement at the pillar or hinges. Is this an adjustment to the door hinges? How would I go about checking/fixing this?

 

The hinge which goes from the birdcage to the door, is attached to the door via a few rivets. It's likely that some of your rivets are loose. With the door open, see if you can make it mover up and down (observe if the hinge remains still).

To fix it:

1. remove door and door panel and have new rivets put in.

2. Or, you can bondo the hinge to the door internally.

3. Or, replace the door.

 

Thanks for the info... I'll check it this weekend.

 

Check the hinge pin and bushing by wiggling the door up and down while watching the hinge. Also, you can tighten the rivits in the door with a hammer and steel backing bar.

 

From your description that there is no loose movement in the hinge or the pillar, it sounds like it simply needs to be adjusted. If the hinge bushings are worn you should get some up and down movement at the back of the door when it's mostly closed. If the door hinge pocket in the door has loose rivets, you will see movement of the hinge relative to the door when closing it and probably the front of the door will stick out slightly past the front fender. Assuming none of this is the case, pull the door panel off and you will see six screws secure each hinge in the door. Loosen 5 of the screws in each and then study the door when it is just slightly short of being closed. You have two choices, move the door forward on the top hinge to raise the back, or move the door back on the lower hinge to raise the back. By studing the gaps around the door you should figure which works best. I put a piece of tape on the hinge, flush with where it goes into the opening in the door, so I can monitor how much I'm moving it. Loosen the one hinge bolt while supporting the door and pivot the door up at the back slightly and re-snug the bolt. Two people help but I do it myself all the time too. Slowly (very slowly to watch that nothing hits or rubs) close the door lightly and check for gaps and alighnment. If it looks close try to close it. Keep going until it closes smoothly. It sounds like the receiver on the rear pillar must be pretty close but it can be moved also to adjust the final position of the latched door. Tighten all the bolts when through.