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I wanted to share a quick update on the truck project. I finally found some time today to tackle the mission of getting the driver's door installed.

It was a frigid start—the thermometer read 14° outside, though it was a slightly more balmy 28° inside the garage. The first order of business was simply making room. Since the truck is parked with the driver's side against the wall, I had to get creative. I installed two dollies under the front tires and turned the truck sideways to create enough space for my engine hoist and the body work stand.

I started by installing the door without the weatherstripping to avoid any interference with the alignment. Surprisingly, it fit fairly well right off the bat. However, the upper hinge didn't offer enough horizontal adjustment to get the back of the door aligned perfectly at the belt line. Since I already had the lathe set up with the milling attachment, it made for a quick fix.

Once the alignment was sorted, I moved on to the weatherstripping—a job I wasn't looking forward to, but it went smoothly. I needed to put my propane heater under the door to heat it up enough so the weatherstripping adhesive would work.

After reinstalling the door for the final time, a little tweaking got the adjustment close. I installed the striker plate, and voila—the door closed and latched perfectly. A few minor adjustments and the job was done.

The alignment is not perfect by no means. The rear of the door at the belt line could be raised a bit but I was afraid of the front edge of the door hitting the ‘A’ post if I moved it any closer. I could move the door at the lower hinge, but the gap is already too wide.

I decided that since it closed solid and it was close, that I would leave well enough alone!

Another success!