The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Door alignment without striker

I have repaired the lower driver side door pillar and before I move on to the rocker I want to clamp the pillar into the correct position to ensure the door gap is correct. I have bolted the drivers door to the repaired pillar and with the cowl panel removed AND pillar disconnected from the old rocker the pillar can be moved out/in and fore/aft. The question is, I am shutting the door but the striker is causing the door to rise up a little meaning the belt line is a little 'off'. I am thinking of simply removing the striker and closing the door and when the belt line is fine, clamping the pillar. Is there any reason that I need to leave the striker in situ? It does help keep the door closed but that is easily remedied with some straps. I just think the striker is pulling the door and preventing a proper fit.

In case you wonder why I didn't simply set the pillar in place at the start....the problem is that the door fit was never that great when I bought the truck and I am hoping to improve upon it with this repair.

Here are a couple of shots of the lower pillar repair. Still some final welding and finishing to do. I had to fab the inner hinge pocket as they don't seem to be available.

Thanks,
Paul