Door sag

[Standing Elk]

A friend is looking at a 31 pickup to possibly buy. It is unrestored but in pretty decent shape. However the drivers door sags to the point that when closed the rear top of the door is about 5/8" below the top pf the door jam. Understanding that hinges are probably the most common cause for this, what else can cause the door to sag? Thanks

[john charlton]

Check that the cab is square . Get a tape measure and diagonally measure the cab door gap . It should be the same as the good fitting door . If it is out of true it is easy with a suitably cushioned porta power to push it square ,do this with great caution . If the cab is square then it is the hinges . They are easy to bend with a large crescent wrench adjusted to slip on the hinge horizontally . Use a long thin rod to ensure that the three hinges remain in line on both the door and cab . I am now building P/U cab no.4 and this is a very common problem but an easy fix .

John in very windy storm"Caroline" Suffolk County England.

[Bill Pursel]

body blocks probably bad

[Benson]

Originally Posted by Bill Pursel

body blocks probably bad

Agree here ... and cowl is sagging due to lack of support.

MY Coupe has same same problem.

[Larry Jenkins]

Bent or sagging frame?

[john charlton]

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I should have added check straight frame and uniform body blocks first then cure the cab .

John in no change in the weather Suffolk County England .

[larrys40]

I agree with the guys on the body blocks,
It's also important that the front cowl firewall mount is fixed if cracked , shimmed properly to get correct alignment. All part of the "restoration " process to make things as new.
Larry Shepard

[duke36]

Take a look at the hood to radiator shell and hood to cowl gaps, where the cowl band is. Check both sides of truck for both doors, hood etc. Also, measure frame to level ground if possible at front axle and see if head lights are equal distant to radiator, all signs that frame or spring is not right which can affect alignment.
Then do as others suggest.

[glenn in camino]

Shim up the rear of the cowl. That should tilt the cowl forward and lift the rear of the door.

[daren007]

This can be fun. First the frame could be bent but you can work around that. Ok maybe not but try it first by shimming the body. What you might run into is once you get the doors aligned the hood now longer lines up with the cowl and radiator.

Have fun/

[wingski]

Hey, all things sag with age. It is called gravity