The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop lower front door pillar

I need some help with measurements. I am replacing the lower front drivers side door pillar, and the old one is rusted out. I would like to have some measurements to get the new one in the correct position. Can anybody help.

Hey Tony,
I am by far not an expert, but i just redid the inner and outer pillar pocket on the passenger side of my 58'. That being said, I took three measurements from existing locations on my truck to the hole in the existing pillar for the hinge to triangulate its location. I am not sure if this the right thing to do but I did it, tacked it in place and then checked the door. Now I am working on my truck to learn and not for show.

Good Luck

It would be helpful if you told us what year truck. On mine, the patch panel comes with the cut out for the hinge and you can match up to that.

Hey Tony,
Here was my first shot at fixing up the cab, the pillar pocket was included in this very long day of work!! I lured my dad down on Thanksgiving and we attacked it!
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561697792mXirVg
Brian

I have 55 2nd. I first measured from top hinge lower bolt hole to bottom hinge lower bolt hole, then from rear post to front, and from lower bolt hole bottm hinge to inside of step. since I replaced the lower pocket and step on both sides I measured both sides. They measured the same. I did one side at a time, this help to triple check measurments and eye ball how it all went together.

The factory assembly manuals for both AD and New Process trucks give the dimensions. If I knew what year I could copy and send you the manual pages (I only have the AD one). There is a lot of detail on cab measurements in these books and would highly recommend purchasing one if you have lots of metal work to do.

Sorry guys I forgot some important information the truck is a 1951 chevy 3100, Maybe I didn't word my question like I should have, both of the lower door pillars are rusted out, and I have nothing to take true measurements from. Brad I would really appreciate if you could copy and send me what you have out of the manual. thanks for the help guys. Also I have another question that isn't related, but since stovebolt redid there home page here while back, I can't login without having to use the" forgot your password thing" anybody know how to fix this. I have tried to re register, and it will not let me due to it says" email already in use. thanks Tony

If I was in your position I would try this:

1. Clean the hinge pockets in the doors and install the hinges finger tight.
2. If hinges are tired fix that first.
3. Push both hinges down as far as they will go (towards bottom of door) and make a felt pen mark.
4. Shift the hinges up as far as they will go and make another mark.
5. The distance between marks is the total vertical travel.
6. Move both hinges to the center of the vertical travel and tighten securely.
7. Measure the distance between the holes and make a template for locating the bottom pillar.
8. Tack the new hinge pocket in place, mount the door and check fit.
9. This should give you maximum adjustability.


I made my template out of gasket material. Here’s a pic:

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1377693648023244788FthlIl

It’s in my garage somewhere and if I can find it I’ll send it to you. Good luck.

Curt B.

Curt B
Just checked out your photo album. Your metalworking skills are to be commended!! Was there anything on the cab you didn't change? Thanks for sharing. Good luck!
Dan

Tony send me your address and I will put the photocopies in the mail for you. Sorry I don't have access to a scanner. You can check my progess at this link, luckily this part of my cab was in good shape but I did beef it up internally before welding in the cowl support.

http://community.webshots.com/user/RugerWSM?vhost=community

I am doing the same thing with the right side inner pocket and making pannels for the inside of the cab along with the steps. I hate the repop parts as they don't fit right most of the time and require some modding to say the least!