Door alignment, which hinge to adjust

[steves73]

This is my 73 cougar, but typical problem that Mustang experts here will know. The top closes too far in, and the bottom sticks out a little at the post. Could I loosen the bolts and twist it without affecting the front alignment, which oddly is perfect? Overall the door is slightly too far back, but I think that would be the hinge inside the fender. My 73 mustang convertible should have flexed more, but just moving the striker post thing made it perfect.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

You can pivot the top rear of the door out and pivot the bottom in without changing the door gap. Rather than trying to explain it here is a good video on how to adjust your door.

 

[steves73]

You can pivot the top rear of the door out and pivot the bottom in without changing the door gap. Rather than trying to explain it here is a good video on how to adjust your door.

I was hoping to avoid removing the fender, but this method makes it look easier, as I wouldn't have to support the weight of the door. I'm alone and weak, so I have to plan everything before I start.

 

[c9zx]

if you have a floor jack this may help. Chuck https://www.ebay.com/itm/3344796695...2mkv7zB5CH-XC9ODbvoTVL6VF_5Qf4xRoCR5AQAvD_BwE

 

[MikeGriese]

First thing you need to do is make sure the hinges and hinge pins are sound. If your pins and bushings are worn, adjusting the hinge placement is the wrong first step.

 

[steves73]

I loosened the bolts enough that there was play, like when the pin bushings are worn out. I couldn't get the twisting motion I needed. Is there something I need to break loose to get more movement?
This misalignment worsened gradually over the 25 years I've had it. A body shop installed new pins and bushings I gave them about 15 years ago and they put the door back in exactly the same position without improving the slight misalignment back then.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

To be able to pivot the door where you need to you need to loosen the bolts on each hinge that bolt onto the actual door, you leave the hinge bolts that bolt to the a pillar alone. If you loosened those bolts and the door is not moving at all then the hinge is probably rusted to the door. You will need to tap the hinge with maybe a long piece of wood and a rubber mallet to loosen it, you could also lightly tap the inside of the door with the rubber mallet to loosen the hinges being very careful not to damage the finish on the door.

 

[steves73]

To be able to pivot the door where you need to you need to loosen the bolts on each hinge that bolt onto the actual door, you leave the hinge bolts that bolt to the a pillar alone. If you loosened those bolts and the door is not moving at all then the hinge is probably rusted to the door. You will need to tap the hinge with maybe a long piece of wood and a rubber mallet to loosen it, you could also lightly tap the inside of the door with the rubber mallet to loosen the hinges being very careful not to damage the finish on the door.

I sprayed some WD40 where the bolts go into the door, and I'll see if I can knock anything loose today.

 

[steves73]

I got surprisingly good photos inside the door of where the lower and upper hinges attach. Looks like it will take some effort to move things that haven't moved in 50 years.

 

[Manu Mach1]

That's remind me how I first mount the door, alone, but then still need to adjust it.
Please don't laugh...

I will use the same system to try to adjust, attach the door on the roof, loose the bolts, play with the strap then tight the bolts.

 

[jpaz]

Great idea! Love the wall art too

 

[Cleveland Crush]

That's remind me how I first mount the door, alone, but then still need to adjust it.
Please don't laugh...

I will use the same system to try to adjust, attach the door on the roof, loose the bolts, play with the strap then tight the bolts.

I do something very similar when I R&R our big hoods by myself.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Did you say hood R&R by yourself

 

[Cleveland Crush]

Seems like whenever I need to remove the hood no one is available. I rigged up two pulleys into the rafters with cables (with 400 lbs. capacity) that hook into the four eye bolts installed on the underside of the hood corners. Works like a charm and get perfect hood alignment every time because it goes straight up and comes straight down at the correct angle.