1936 Ford 5W VS, 4D Door interchange?

[So-Tex]

I am looking for some 1936 Ford 5W doors and ran across some 4D fronts and wondered if they were interchangeable? After measuring I found the 4D's were a half an inch taller in the back. Could they be made to work? is that the only difference? are the inner skins and structures the same? Thanks for any and all info.

[Randy in ca]

The only difference is what you've noted. Don't recall for sure but 1/2" difference seems like more than it should be tho'. Has been a thread(s) on this in the past. Basically have to trim the extra off of the rear upper corner for a short distance forward.

[So-Tex]

It looks like that is the only difference....I am scared the inner structure is different and will bind in the 5W body opening do to slightly different shape

[fatkoop]

Yes, you'll need to trim about 3/8 off the back top edge of the 4D door, and taper it towards the front until it fits the opening well. Everything else about the 4D door is the same as a 5W. Go slow, take your time, use the body belt line as your guide to how well the door fits.

[So-Tex]

Thanks for the info guys...... greatly appreciated.

[uncle buck]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by So-Tex

It looks like that is the only difference....I am scared the inner structure is different and will bind in the 5W body opening do to slightly different shape

Theres nothing to be scared of, the inner structure is the same

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by So-Tex

Thanks for the info guys...... greatly appreciated.

post some pics if you can, i'd like to see this being done. will the metal around the glass look thinner at the top rear after removing some metal?

[wamnram]

So-Tex,

Sent you a PM.

Wayne

[barnfind]

Fatcoop has the dimensions correct from what I remember.
I was schooled on a 40 sedan to coupe door that was modified the same way.
The trick is to try to cut thru the external sheet metal on the outside with a 3" cutoff tool, peel the slice "up", and then trim the inner top metal(where the outside is crimped).Then the slice can be pushed back down and cut to fit to the door opening and welded.
This approach keeps the welds simple with minimal grinding.
If replacing an existing door a template can be made by aligning the window tracings on the inside top edge.