Bent hinge pillar / Sheet metal install

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Rakkasan

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Looking for a little insight from the experts out there. I have a ‘79 K10 that I’m rebuilding and the drivers door never lined up right and is hard to close. Has a newer door on it but the original was in the bed when I bought the truck and it’s obvious the previous owner back into something with the door while it was open bending the door forward.

I pull the door and the backing plates in the pillar are pushed in on the front of the pillar about a quarter of an inch. The pillar it’s self in between the backing plates is straight and true as is the rear of the plates.

What would be the best course of action to pull the front back straight. I thought maybe a slide hammer or porta power both I’d have to buy. Or welding a cheater bar to the hinges with the door off and try and force it in the opposite direction to correct the bend.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 

Snoots

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Pix please.
 

Big Chip

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Yes, please.
 

Rakkasan

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Rakkasan

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I hope y’all can kinda get an idea what I’m takin about.
 

Snoots

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I hate creases in the corners! Slide hammer for sure. Don't use a torch, although if you get one of those weld-on sticks for a slide hammer would be ok. A little massaging should do the trick. Not a quick fix, perhaps an hour or 2. Keep us posted please.
 

Rakkasan

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Awesome. Will do. Looks like my weekend is planned.

Thanks
 

Big Chip

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I don't know that much about body work and what that area should look like but it looks like it is bent out in the middle, where the 2 holes are. Does that need to actually be pushed back in? If I understand you, you want to bring the area where there is 1 bolt hole out?
 

Rakkasan

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The side closer to the cowl is push in where the hinges mount but the side toward the cab opening seem to be right conpaired to the passengers side.

Seems the bottom mount is pushed in a little further. I really need to strip the paint and put a flat primer on to get a better idea of how off it is.
 

Big Chip

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The side closer to the cowl is push in where the hinges mount but the side toward the cab opening seem to be right conpaired to the passengers side.

Seems the bottom mount is pushed in a little further. I really need to strip the paint and put a flat primer on to get a better idea of how off it is.
Got it.


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Rakkasan

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Were you able to fix it?


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Sorry I got side tracked.

Sure did. Took a slide hammer to it and with a little of pounding and pulling I rehung the door and the gaps lined up pretty good. Got sidetracked cause I was waiting on the door gaps because I had to cut the rockers and floor out. Once the door was straight I went right to cutting.
I’ll try and get some pics when I get home. I already replaced passenger side metal and it wore me out can’t wait to get the drivers side done so I can dive into the firewall. Yea!!!
 

shiftpro

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Nothing a big hammer and big balls can't deal with!
 
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