CUTLASS Need guidance installing new door hinges and aligning door on 86 Cutlass

[Audio96]

I got a new set of replacement door hinges for my 1986 Cutlass Supreme.
I have the doors out and there is no glass or window motors installed. So they are pretty much bare shells.
Been trying to get the door re-attached and it's like a catch-22. Almost impossible to tighten the bolts.
- Do I add the hinges to the FRAME first and then align the door to the body? OR ....
- Do I add the hinges to the DOOR first and then align with the body?

I can't figure out how to get my wrenches in there to tighten the bolts.
Makes me think about how it was done on the assembly line. Did they add/align the doors before the front fenders were on so they could get to the bolts easily?

ANY HELP / TIPS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED ON HOW TO GET THESE DOORS ON and ALIGNED.
I think my wife is about to kill me, since this talking so long ... been a long "painting" project.

 

[69hurstolds]

Doors were installed before the front clip. Your job, since it's too late to decline it, is going to be a PITA. Whichever way you do it.

If you get a transmission jack or even one of those eastwood cradles for door installation that goes on your hyd floor jack, it should make the job a ton easier.

 

[565bbchevy]

I just used a floor jack with a 2 x 4 wrapped in a towel to R & R both my doors on my Regal.
I rebuilt the hinges and installed them on the body first.