2 replies to this topic

[NDT]

I'm refitting my mk1 doors after the whole shell has been painted.

Everything was nicely fitted up before paint.

 

Apologies for the potentially stupid question... is there a correct order to do this?

I was thinking hinges onto door, door into the aperture then adjust the fitting of the door in the aperture and then tighten up the hinges on the A-panels?

[crossthread]

First off, make sure you know which hinge goes where. They are all different , but if you offer them up it should be fairly obvious where they go. 

Remove door catch and the alignment thingy on the B post

Fit the gaskets and loosely bolt the hinges to the A panel.

Sit your bum on the door step with your legs out of the car. 

Rest the lower edge of the open door on your legs and use your legs to adjust the height of the door.

Loosely bolt the rear of the hinges to the door and then fit the front screws, not forgetting the angled spacers for the top hinges, forget them and you'll distort the door skins.

If you have a trusted assistant you could ask for help , but I always find it's easier on my own. It saves any misunderstanding when I need the door to go up, down, open or close.

 

Align the door and tighten the nuts and screws, Fit the door catch when you are happy with the door alignment.

Lastly, using 3 or 4 layers of masking tape can protect paint edges on the door and A panel.

Edited by crossthread, 03 January 2026 - 11:57 AM.

[mab01uk]

Also some useful info in this thread linked below on the Mk1 Forum. (You may need to register to view the thread and pics).

 

Mk1 Door Alignment:-

https://mk1-forum.ne...ic.php?p=346526