Door closing - 84

[motogman]

I recently purchased on 84 Carerra in original condition and am getting to know what it needs addressed. The steering bushing was obvious and a quick fix.

One thing that annoys me a bit is that the drivers door does not align perfectly with the latch so when you open the door there is a slight drop and it takes a slightly elevated level of effort to close the door. It is not off much, maybe a mm or less but it is noticeable and I would like to fix it.

The question is, how to address this? There would seem to be three choices, the latch mechanism in the door, the latch on the door post or the hinges.

I have more research to do both on the forums and in repair manuals but the brain trust here is the most reliable source of how to knowledge so... give me your best recommendations.

Regards,

[pete3799]

With the door open can you see any play in the hinge pins if you lift up on the door?
When the door is shut does it close flush and have even gaps all the way around?
The door post latch is adjustable but if the door is sagging you may have to shim the hinges or install new pins and bushings.

[motogman]

gaps are good, door is flush. Yes - when you lift on the door there is the ~ 1mm of play in the hinges. Not sure which one... ne to goo look more closely but I think the bottom one.

One thought was to put light upward force on the door with a jack to take out the 1mm of plan then loosen the lower hinge point and retighten with the play taken out.

Thoughts?

[GaryR]

If there is play in the hinges I would rebuild them.

[Cooper911SC]

I would rebuild the hinges.

Each hinge has 2 bronze plain bearings that can be replaced. You can likely reuse your steel pins as they don't wear.

The new bushings can be purchased through Pelican or your local dealer.

** Warning, they will need to be reamed or clearance drilled after being pressed into the door hinges!
I believe we used a 7.6-8mm drill.

The biggest pain is removing the wiring harness from the side mirror for removal of the door. You will need a tool to push the pins out of the harness inside the mirror housing.

Good luck with the replacement.

Cooper