Door Slam/Window

[Shibbyman8787]

My door slams so hard when I close it. I need to fix that.

Also the drivers side window for my two door 72 rolls up incorrectly and manages to work its way up on the wrong side (inside steada outside) of the weatherstripping, how can I correct this?

[Smartin]

Does the door have to be slammed shut to get it to close all the way? Is the window up or down when you are doing this? If it's up, does the window hinder the closing of the door easily?

You probably have a lot of slop in your tracks and rollers. You also probably have to adjust the window. This may take a few hours to get it right...and when you think you finally have it right, something else will be wrong.

[Shibbyman8787]

You probably have a lot of slop in your tracks and rollers. You also probably have to adjust the window. This may take a few hours to get it right...and when you think you finally have it right, something else will be wrong.

What tools do I need to get the job done?

[Smartin]

You have to remove the door panel, which requires a tool to remove the window crank (if you have manual windows). Otherwise, it's a phillips screwdriver to remove the door panel, and a small flat screwdriver if you have a remote mirror. You'll need a 7/16" socket.


...and some bandaids to cover the lacerations on your arms if you have to reach into the door:D

[73 Centurion]

Smartin is right about the bandaids. It's worthwhile to spend 10 minutes with a file to dull the worst edges. Of course, you'll want to spray a little paint on the raw edges when you're done.

If you have to slam the door to get it to close I suspect your hinges are either worn or out of alignment. The door should close easily and smoothly. The classic symptom of worn hinges is a door that sags at the rear edge and uses the pin to lift it up to close.

I would check the door alignment first, then align the window.

To align the door you remove the pin that it latches on. If you remove the plastic vent you can reach inside and hold the peices is screws into. If you don't hold them they'll drop down into the quarter causing much swearing.:mad:

With the pin removed the door should swing closed and line up neatly with the rear quarter. If it doesn't you need to adjust the hinges. You can either move the top hinge toward the front of the car or move the lower hinge toward the rear, or probably both. I would start by loosening (but don't remove) the bolts that hold the top hinge to the firewall. Don't touch the bolts that hold the hinge to the door. With the door almost closed put a piece of wood on a jack and gently raise the back of the door. Tighten the bolts, remove the jack and check your work. You'll need creep up on the proper alignment. With patience you'll get the door to swing shut and align.

Then you can reinstall the pin. The pin should not change the alignment of the door. It will take some trial and error to get the pin in just the right place so the door closes and latches smoothly.

Once the door is aligned you can adjust the window.

The window rides up and down a curved pipe in the door. There are 3 bolts that hold the glass to the bracket that slides up and down. You can move the window toward the front or back of the car with these. The top of the pipe can be adjusted to move the top in or out. There are also adjustable stops at the top and bottom of the travel that make sure it doesn't go down too far or up too high.

There is a plastic collar that rides up and down the pipe. There are 2 bolts that hold that in place. These adjust the tilt of the window so you can raise or lower the rear corner so the window hits the gasket all at once.

This collar is the peice that wears out and causes sloppiness. I don't know if they are available new but you can use one from the passenger side which usually has much less wear. You have to unbolt the glass and remove the lift mechanism from the door to replace it. There are no special fasteners, just standard nuts and bolts. There are lots of them so be organized when you remove them (and having spares from the junkyard would be wise).

If you plan on keeping the car I recommend you go the full route and replace the collar. If you're just keeping it running for a couple of years you can probably get away with just adjusting the door and window.

Good Luck,

Let us know how it comes out.

P.S. This is fresh in my mind because I just went through this process. My doors now shut with a single finger push. It can be done!

John

[Shibbyman8787]

You have to remove the door panel, which requires a tool to remove the window crank (if you have manual windows). Otherwise, it's a phillips screwdriver to remove the door panel, and a small flat screwdriver if you have a remote mirror. You'll need a 7/16" socket.


...and some bandaids to cover the lacerations on your arms if you have to reach into the door:D

Thanks! I will get on that over the next 3 day break. Be prepared for me to spam messages on the next break. Same for you John. I will add you two to friends.