1941 Ford Door Hinge Issues

[J.D.G.]

Both doors on my ‘41 Coupe are sagging and my builder said he doesn’t think oversized pins will fix the issue. Rather he thinks I need new or better lower hinges. Does this sound correct? Is there a source for hinges or am I going to have to try to find a useable used set? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Angledrive]

They may be bent and need new pins. I am helping with a 42 and had to shim the lowers to get the door aligned.

[J.D.G.]

Originally Posted by Angledrive

They may be bent and need new pins. I am helping with a 42 and had to shim the lowers to get the door aligned.

So you’re replacing the pins and having to shim between the hinge and cowl?

[19Fordy]

Hinge photos needed.

[J.D.G.]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Hinge photos needed.

I’m picking the car back up on Friday and I’ll take some and upload them.

[Kube]

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I have never found the need to replace hinges that were simply worn. Oversize pins have done the "trick" each and every time.
Unless the car has been damaged, the chances of the hinges being bent are slim. It sounds to me as if that shop doesn't want to do the job.

[J.D.G.]

In the shops defense they are modifying the belt line trim for me and the hinges were not part of their job. They simply looked at them for me since they needed to get the trim to line up correctly.

Are the pins Bob Drake sells oversized or will I need to source them from somewhere else?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by J.D.G.

In the shops defense they are modifying the belt line trim for me and the hinges were not part of their job. They simply looked at them for me since they needed to get the trim to line up correctly.

Are the pins Bob Drake sells oversized or will I need to source them from somewhere else?

I believe Carpenter sells oversize pins.

[Karl Wescott]

1941-48 Passenger used a hidden upper hinge and an outside lower hinge. The lower hinge is the same overall dimensions, with different length and mount holes, as 1935-1940 passenger lower hinge and uses the same 9/32" pin. The upper hidden hinge is "different". It uses a larger hinge pin (5/16" inch dia I think, but don't quote me).


Obviously worn hinge pins can be a issue. However there are some more basic things that also need to be checked. First, make sure the hinges are solidly attached to the car and this is not a simple issue of tightening screws. Second make sure the attachment points for the hinge are in good condition and not flexing. It's fairly common to have a lower hinge pin seize and the door start breaking up and flexing.


Lift the door up and down. If there is movement its pins, screws, or structural. If the door is solid up and down its an alignment issue. General body to frame alignment and proper shimming does affect door sag. And, of course, the lower hinge can be bent to lift the door for proper alignment.

[J.D.G.]

Thank you for the detailed post! I know there’s play when I lift the doors so I’ll check the screws and cowl when taking pictures after I pick up the car.

[Angledrive]

Originally Posted by J.D.G.

So you’re replacing the pins and having to shim between the hinge and cowl?

Yes, it had been hit in a few places and the door checks were broken. Dent in both cowl sides from door opening too far. I believe I made an 1/8th inch shim.

[J.D.G.]

Alright picked up the car early. The passangerside lower hinge has a full 1/8th of pin movement in the center section of the hinge that screws to the cowl when picking up the door which is why the shop said I might need a new hinge half. Driverside has play but not as significant and is flexing a bit where it screws to the cowl but I am missing one screw. I’m going to try to pull the passangerside pin to inspect it to see if it’s broken or just worn.

[J.D.G.]

Finally got this sorted out. The pin was broken in two spots. The inner portion of the hinge was basically just floating in place. Once the three pin pieces were removed we were able to drill the hinge for oversized pins then shimmed the hinge at the a-pillar and everything is happy now.

Thanks again for all the input, answers, and suggestions.