Door Rebuild and Install
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 224
Likes: 41
From: Catawba, N.C. USA
Door Rebuild and Install
I'm doing a body off resto on a 73 T-top. Winter project is door restoration. I've got the skins off (heat gun, putty knife, went slow). I sandblasted the metal frame and primed. My question is whether to install the door guts now on the bench (power window car), install onto car and then panel bond skin to frame. OR install the frame first, install guts while frame is hanging and then glue the skins. It is only me and probably would need to fabricate a door holder with a jack to take the weight off if I reassemble first. Just wondering if anyone has done this and the sequence they used. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 1,824
From: Apple Valley, MN
I would recommend you first install the steel structure and make sure the door latches properly. Next, install the window and ensure it is positioned correctly with the seals. Make any adjustments to hinge shims, latch clearances, etc. as needed, then witness mark the door structure/hinge interface. Then I would trial fit the skin and check fit/fair. If fit/fair are good, then witness mark the skin/frame interface and remove the door to facilitate permanent installation of the skin (allowing for multiple clamping during the bonding step).
