Author Topic: 1987 Door Alignment Issues  (Read 12872 times)

Offline MarkS

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1987 Door Alignment Issues
« on: October 12, 2009, 03:21:58 PM »
I'm a newbee to this forum... Looks like some great info!
I just bought a 1987 2wd Silverado with only 35,000 miles. All original expect for tires and rear bumper. The doors are hard to close and don't appear to close completely. Both doors appear to have a problem but the driver's is worse. The gaps around the door look good but you can tell, especially at the botton that it isn't fully "seated". I can also push on the door a bit and feel some give. Does anybody have any idea on the best way to make this adjustment? It seems odd this truck has this issue with the low miles (documented) and no paint work. I checked it over pretty well and this appears to be true.

Any help you guys can give will be greatly appreciated!

Offline hotrod24

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2009, 03:34:48 PM »
hinge pins replace them
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Offline Donut

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2009, 05:25:44 PM »
Ditto, bet if you open the door you can move it up and down a little.  Least that's where I'd look first.
Even though the paint is good, you still have 20 yrs. of wear and tear on the doors.  Driver's side is usually worse because you don't always have a passenger.
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Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2009, 06:35:54 PM »
I really appreciate the feedback. Nothing on other sites...

I did check and there doesn't seem to be any play on the pins. I agree this is a normal problem but this is a 35,000 mile truck. Does it still make sense the pins are worn. I also noticed that the door is too far in at the top and sticks out at the bottom. Would this still suggest pins?

Offline 03cobrakid

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2009, 02:29:28 AM »
It sounds like your doors just need adjusting?
The factory quality control was not the greatest back in 87
I had the same problem with my truck and just took some time adjusting and they were allot better
 

Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2009, 02:10:57 PM »
Hi 03cobrakid,

What process did you use to do the alignment? I really don't know where to start.

Thanks!

Offline Captkaos

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2009, 02:20:17 PM »
Is the plastic collar still on the striker bolt?  None of the door gaps will be uniform on any 73-87.
If you want them perfect plan to spend a lot of time making them fit.

Open the door all the way and lift up on it. If the door moves the pins are gone.  IF the pins are gone.  I would question the original 35K miles.

Offline murraygmc

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2009, 02:29:10 PM »
i just replaced my pins and bushings this weekend its verry simple you will need help removing the door tho . you can buy the pins and bushings in a kit i think i paied 7 bucks a set
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Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #8 on: October 14, 2009, 08:20:18 PM »
Murraygmc,

I did notice the plastic sleeves on the strikers are missing or broken and that somone tried to make an adjustment because of the paint. Does this suggest maybe this isn't a 35K truck?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2009, 08:37:32 PM »
If they are missing broken and it was only supposed to be used for 35K miles,
How worn is the brake pedal pad?  The grain on the steering wheel? the Grain on the upper door panels?  etc.

I would definitely question it.  I would question ANY truck that is 20 years old and a "normal" person owns it and states it has less than 100K miles.

Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2009, 08:51:29 PM »
Door panels look great... not replaced. The grain on the steering wheel looks normal. The brake pedal has minimal wear on the right side... I would think it's normal and not replaced. it doesn't look new.

Offline Captkaos

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #11 on: October 15, 2009, 04:46:07 PM »
Post pictures.  Since these truck only went to 99999.9 miles it is fairly easy to say it only has 35000 miles, which is why they made them go so they read 100000.0. 

My 87 shows a little over 7000.0 miles right now.  It looks ok also, but I know it has 207000 on it because when I bought it it had 89 and the previous owner said it already rolled on the before he bought it.

Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #12 on: October 16, 2009, 09:32:10 AM »
I'll post some pics. It's been raining since I got the truck so I haven't had a chance.

Thanks for the advice!

Offline JOKER

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #13 on: October 16, 2009, 10:36:33 AM »
My doors are doing the same thing. I have to replace the pins. as for adjusting it in or out. It is easy, but replace the pins first..
Wanted to rebuild my dream truck. Looks like I'll be having just nightmares. LOL

Offline MarkS

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Re: 1987 Door Alignment Issues
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2009, 07:11:40 PM »
Replaced the strikers (plastic cracked on the old ones) did the trick. It's amazing how much the plastic made a difference. After installation in the exact factory position, the door lined up and closed like new!