BUILD THREAD Project long time coming

[Streetbu]

So some of you may remember that I bought "new" doors for the car. The time has come to install them.
I really wasn't looking forward to this. I'm not a body man. I can do it, but I hate every minute of it. Just don't have the patience for it.
I took the new doors to a friend and he did the initial body work to them, which was very minimal. Basically removed all existing paint, primed the entire door, and painted the inside jamb area.
Now it's my turn to get them hung and aligned properly. I've been dragging my feet on it because I was trying to take a hammer to them 🤣 My patience has definitely been tested.
But as of this morning, I finished aligning the drivers door and I'm happy with how it came out! My buddy stopped by yesterday and helped for a few hours as well.

Passenger side door I just picked up from him.

And a couple of pics of it sitting on the new wheels and tires 😁

 

[Tony1968]

Looking good. At least you didn't drop a door like I did.

 

[melloelky]

lines look good

 

[melloelky]

Looking good. At least you didn't drop a door like I did.

happens more than you think Tony,don't beat yourself up.

 

[SS_Malibu]

That door looks like it belongs there.

 

[Streetbu]

Thanks guys! Was hoping to just bolt it on and align it, but that would've been too easy 🤣 Bolted it on fine, but spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 hours actually aligning it, and then the drivers fender. I'm positive someone that does it for a living could've accomplished it much quicker than I did. I'm just glad both the door, and I made it thru the process LMAO
Unfortunately I still have to install EVERYTHING inside the door, and get all of that adjusted correctly as well.
Tell me again why I work on old cars?

 

[SS_Malibu]

Well at least it “Bolted Right On” as the parts manufacturers say.

 

[64nailhead]

Thanks guys! Was hoping to just bolt it on and align it, but that would've been too easy 🤣 Bolted it on fine, but spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 hours actually aligning it, and then the drivers fender. I'm positive someone that does it for a living could've accomplished it much quicker than I did. I'm just glad both the door, and I made it thru the process LMAO
Unfortunately I still have to install EVERYTHING inside the door, and get all of that adjusted correctly as well.
Tell me again why I work on old cars?

I’m convinced that body panel alignment is an art form. All of my memories of getting our doors, fenders and hood aligned was such a headache. It Is nothing I look forward to. My son wanted me to put new fenders on the SS and I dreaded it (and i haven’t done it yet lol.)

It only took me a couple of years to figure to pull the hood hinges with the hood so that it goes back together perfectly.

But in the end, the time is not wasted when it works out well.

Keep the faith buddy 😉

 

[maxi426]

If those doors are empty, you might want to simulate the weight of the glass and regulator by putting something of equal weight inside the door before you consider the job done. It will make a difference in the way the back of the door hangs.

 

[Streetbu]

Well my hinges still seem to be in perfect shape. I bought all four thru GM, many years ago now. Had to come from 3 different dealerships. Hopefully that saves me. Fingers crossed