1969 Chevy C10

Okay, I ran into a bit of a snag today. Was going to install the left front fender but couldn't get the door to align properly.
The bottom of the door needs to come in about 1/4" but won't adjust any further. When I pull the bolts from the door I can see plenty of travel left in the slots, so I think it is the bottom of the hinge hitting the door and stopping any inward travel.
Door hinge hitting.JPG


I am thinking the only resolution will be to remove metal from flat portion of the hinge that mounts to the A-pillar. Any thoughts on this?
 
You say that the door will not align is to the rocker panel? You replaced the rocker right? And have you installed the fender just to see how the door lines up with lower fender edge. Just thinking out loud as your work is top notch.
 
The fender bolts up flush to rocker panel and top of the door. The bottom of the door is sticking out the entire length of the rocker panel.
I tried repositioning the lower hinge on the door and then aligned everything again. It helped a little but not enough for my liking.
In this picture the fender is not bolted into place. I was just checking the gap with the door.
Checking door and fender alignment.JPG


You can see the lower fender needs to come in to line up with the inner fender and rocker panel.
 
None of the rockers I have put on trucks like that ever fit worth a darn. I want to say that if you put rockers on it, that is part of the issue, but it's impossible to say from here. I wonder if you have any photos of that area pre-repair? Those trucks aren't well known for their fit and finish.
 
It was so rusted that it's hard to tell.

Rocker Panel Driver's Side Rusted.JPG


It looked good at the fender.

Door Driver's side rust.JPG


You got me thinking though. This was the door that rusted real bad.
Bottom Front Rust.JPG


Two things I am thinking could have happened. 1. My patch may have been too high near the hinge area.
Door Left metal repair 1.JPG


2. The bottom of the door had a slight roll to it and I may have removed some of that.
 
I get pretty paranoid about that stuff and usually test-fit everything, sometimes more than once. Being in the collision repair end of things makes that kind of mandatory because things are all bent up, so it's pretty well drilled into my head. Extensive welding and that rocker replacement surely can move things around, too. It's rotten to discover a fit issue at this late stage!
 
Yes dry fit before paint. 68 when you do move the door in at bottom also check top of door to see how much it moves out away from the cab.
 
I've had the same challenge on these trucks - the issue seems to always come up with the replacement of the rocker as crash mentioned. You have to get them just right it seems like. I usually have to cut up the part of the rocker where it meets the front pillar to get enough clearance for that corner of the door to clear.
 
I've had the same challenge on these trucks - the issue seems to always come up with the replacement of the rocker as crash mentioned. You have to get them just right it seems like. I usually have to cut up the part of the rocker where it meets the front pillar to get enough clearance for that corner of the door to clear.
I had to do that on the passengers side. Widened it about 3/8" just to get it fit right.
Believe it not, I did a quick test fit on the driver's door also. Since it was close and I still had adjustment travel in the slots, I assumed it would align properly. Won't make that mistake again.
 
Looks good from here! The panel alignment on these trucks from the factory was pretty bad to begin with - it takes many hours welding, grinding, filling, sanding to improve them.
 
I did tweak it slightly more but then decided it would have to be good enough for a driver.
Whoever reupholstered the seat never installed the rear bolts in the brackets that hold the seat back in place. Maybe they thought having the seat able to tip forward was a good idea, however it also had no stops when going backward. The seat back would lean against the back of the cab and as you move seat forward it would just increase the angle and decrease the height.
After removing some hog rings and installing the bolts, it now remains in the correct postion.
Seat Repaired and Installed.JPG


Waiting for the new vent window to arrive so I can finish up the driver's door, then I will move on to the passenger door. My goal is to get the cab weather proof and then move the truck outside while I work on the hood, bed and tailgate.
 
The replacement tailgate arrived yesterday.
Has a couple of very small dings in it and the top right and bottom left ends are buggered up a bit. Over all it appears to be very close to the original.
Dynacorn as received.JPG


I will have to measure and mark out all the holes for the upper and lower moldings. This could be tricky since the original tailgate is in terrible shape. It was bowed badly and then the owner tried to use a board and the weight of his truck to straighten it.

I did get the cowl grille media blasted and sprayed with epoxy primer.
Cowl Grille in Epoxy 1.JPG


Also repaired a small rusted spot on the passenger door, media blasted it and sprayed with epoxy primer but didn't take pictures.
Some of the parts I ordered will not even ship until mid August. o_O
 
Whoever reupholstered the seat never installed the rear bolts in the brackets that hold the seat back in place. Maybe they thought having the seat able to tip forward was a good idea, however it also had no stops when going backward. The seat back would lean against the back of the cab and as you move seat forward it would just increase the angle and decrease the height.
After removing some hog rings and installing the bolts, it now remains in the correct postion.
He's gona think you got rid of his old comfortable truck, and gave him somebody else's.
 
Yesterday I sprayed the letters on the tailgate white.
Letters Painted White.JPG


Today, I spent nearly 3 hours trying to tape them off so I can spray the blue paint.
My hat is off to you guys who do graphics, signs and lettering. This was the most time consuming, aggravating thing I have done in a long time.
I am still not happy with my results, I can see dozens of areas that could've been done better. Anyway here is where I am at. Please feel free to advise as whether I should rip it all off and start over. :(

Letters Taped Off.JPG
 
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