I had to take the doors off my Cutlass for my paint job and was wondering if there was a easy way to re-install them, since they weigh so much. Does anyone have any tips/tricks to holding the door in place while the hinges get screwed in? I was thinking of using a floor jack but from what I see I'd have to make a wooden dolly for the jack cradle so I dont pinch the lip on the bottom of the door..
-Karl

By yourself without the easy tools you'll can set up crates/ blocking at correct height and bolt it up. If the hinges are on the door I just hold the door up and close it on the striker and bolt the hinges to the jamb. I don't think I have to say paint protection is required. You can make a jack door cradle easily or buy an aluminum one. I can't find the link for that but here is the easiest way: http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/champ-door-bumper-dolly-1415-p-11542.aspx

If you have lots of spare time :Dand some pieces of pipe laying around and like to build stuff.

http://www.1969supersport.com/doorh.html

Don't breathe the galvanized pipe fumes from welding, I use supplied air to weld it.

Most of the stuff I make takes a lot of time, for retirees and guys that have nothing but time on there hands.:)

Rob we all don't have all the time in the world like you buddy haha.

Rob we all don't have all the time in the world like you buddy haha.

I hear yeah on that one Brandon.:D

When I had to hang the doors on my 76 Laguna ( talk about heavy doors ) myself I used a strap type come-along that I connected to a hook in the ceiling then I ran another strap through the door and connected the come-along to the strap. This supported the weight of the door and allowed me to adjust the height with the come-along and because it would "swing" on the come-along I was able to push it around where I needed it. I have less than $20.00 in it since the only thing I had to buy was the come-along ( harbor freight special ) and I already had the strap.

Here's a pic--- http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0dd36b3127ccef9f6f4e7486600000030O00AbuWTFw5ZNW QPbz4K/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Charlie, I like that! Now that is probably what I will do when the time comes. Bet if you used 2 you could adjust the strap so the door was close to level. (Help is hard to come by around here!)

It's really a lot simpler with a jack pad for doors. Done hundreds of them alone at the shop. And you can do it anywhere. Done in no time.

Jeremy, it's one strap ran through the door from front to back with both ends of the strap in the hook of the come-along forming a triangle so it slides on the strap and you can get it level pretty easily. I just pull it to where I want it with one hand then use my other hand to get the bolts in.



MrBreez :)

I tape a couple of plastic bondo spreaders to the rocker under the door hinge location so I can rest the door edge on them while getting the hinge bolts stareted. I will insure you have a gap at the bottom of the door.....well at least in the front of the door.