The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Removing Doors

Just put the truck up for the winter. A bit premature I know but things around the home have taken priority. I bought 4 bales of hay and have them stored in the bed and now I want to remove the doors to put in new hinges. Is it easier to unbolt the door hinge from the cowl frame or from the door itself to remove it? Or does it make little difference.

I like to take the door off first. Just seems to work better for me....and makes it easier to get the hinges out.

If like my 54 its easier for me to remove door from hinge and slide off. Then unbolt hinge from door. Best to mark locations to save time later if applicable. i just rebuilt both my upper and lower hinge last night with an aftermarket kit. NOT FUN. Both pins seized in swing hinge arm. Upper hinge pin was also sheared off and needed to be drilled out. Lower Hinge had one of the the welded on "bosses" sheared off and had to be cut off on both ends. Then the pin was driven out with much effort. Rebuilding was easy once disassembled. Be prepared to drill out hinge arms for larger diameter pins and same for hinge frames to accommodate the new brass inserts provided in the kit. Yes I used heat and profanity neither one seemed to help.

Doors first, much easier to remove hinges. If possible get a helper to assist in removal.

Doors

I made a door cradle that slipped into my floor jack.
Makes it easy by yourself and helps in the final fit before paint too.

A cradle is a great idea. Any chance you could post a picture?

here's a pic... Door Cradle

found another shot door cradle #2

CASO,

Your link does not work for me:

Google
404. That’s an error.
The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.

Tim, how bout now?

Both links now work.

Thanks,

Nice cradle, Real Deal Rick Steele! (When did you quit the radio business?)

To work behind the scenes for my distant cousin 'Dan's band...
still have em on my playlist Bodisattva's always been a fave


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I have tried both ways. As others have said take the doors off first. Tying to get the hinges out of the jamb pockets while they are still attached to the door just doesn't work! Even worse is trying to install the door with the hinges attached. The hinges will turn when you try to get them to go into the pockets - if you try to line them up with your fingers you will probably get a nasty pinch!

Not to mention that the hinges are designed for door removal/installation. The upper hinge has the one slotted hole so you can pre-install one bolt before sliding the door on.

Thank you for that tip! I am getting ready to put some new shiny doors on a new shiny cab and I don't want to slam the door edge into the cab.
Carl

Thanks everyone. Have the whole winter to get them working.