TECH KEEP THE DOOR SWINGIN’
No other part on a car gets as much abuse, simply by using it, like the doors, especially the driver’s door. Early Ford doors are relatively simple, with very few moving parts. The only problem is the components do wear out. I doubt Ford thought so many of these 70, 80, or 90-year-old cars would still be on the road. That’s one heck of a legacy! The basic design of these doors remained much the same for years and consists of, hinges, a remote latch, strikers & dovetails with only a few minor changes from the ’30s to the ’50s.
As I mentioned in previous articles, before starting any rebuild/restoration project, get yourself in the right mood to help make the project a success, remember, this is our hobby, it’s fun, so enjoy the ride.
Let’s start getting the doors back into the swing of things. Please follow along with the steps I’ve listed to help you determine each problem and the cures for those problems.
HINGE PINS: Ford used a variety of diameters and lengths.
HINGES AND PINS.
There is a simple test you can perform to detect worn hinge pins. With the door open, lightly lift on the rear latch side of the door, if it moves, the hinge pin is likely
