[Tarl]

Hi,

My 68 firebird was redone about 5 years ago by the PO. The drivers side door has a gap on the lower rear. Pictures from before final painting indicate the door does seem to fit correctly. It closes hard, the newish looking upper hinge seems worn as well, I can lift the door 1/4+ inch so I have a replacement pin/bushings.

Looking for tips for adjusting the door and replacing the bushing. I have watched some youtube videos and I am wondering if it's worth removing the front fender as its already a put together car.

Attached are some pics.

[Trailercamp]

I have a 1967 firebird that I just completed the bodywork/paint on.
This included replacing the door hinges (upper and lower, both doors).
Others may say differently, but I honestly don't see how you
could replace hinges / align doors without removing the fender.

also on my car I found once I removed the doors it was the lower hinges
actually, that were more worn being they take more of the load.

something that helped me was arranging a ratchet strap as a sling under the
back edge of the door hooked up to the garage truss above to support
the door as I loosened the hinge bolts and made door adjustments.
Also, I found the door would sag once I released the strap support so I had
to set the hinges with the door higher than the closed position.
this required the trial and error method.

This was my first time replacing hinges on a car. it took multiple adjustments
but in the end it turned out great, I'm really happy with the results.

Don't forget that the striker pin position also helps to align the back edge of
the door both up/down and in/out.

I know how frustrating it can be to have a door panel misaligned.

Good luck
-J

[Greg Reid]

There's a special 'S' shaped wrench for accessing the door bolts. I bought one on eBay a few years ago. It's listed in the shop manual. Of course if you're adjusting your door you're probably going to wind up adjusting the fender position along with it.
I'd start with replacing the hinges then I think I would remove the striker altogether to see where you can get it to move.