when you finally get both doors set and operating in the opening without binding, drill a small hole, 1/8" right in the middle of the bolt pattern on the door side through both inner door skin and the hinge. when you take it apart to paint it , it will help re-align it perfectly when you re-assemble.
Wonderful work!! When I grow up I want to be just like you!! To set my door gaps I always start by rebuilding the hinge pins. Very easy job and after 70 years I've never seen one that didn't need it. Next thing is check the cab mounts. Especially the rears.... It helps lift the cab which helps the gap an 1/8 inch. Last hint and I'm sure you're aware of this. It's a standard trick on the advance design doors panels. If you switch the door handle mechanisms between pas and driver (this turn them upside down) it will lower the actuating bar to the horizontal position and fit exactly in that groove which gives you more clearance thus avoids rubbing the door panel.on the inside. Great videos Vr, Robert mason El paso , TX
..very interesting resolve to get your doors lined up. Will the rubber installation cause any issues? I'm only asking, because I am a complete amateur. Thanks.
i had a similar issue. my 51 came with a 52-55 driver door and i needed to replace that same cowl piece as you did., which i tried to convert the door it came with to a 51 door , terrible idea, i found a correct 51 door and had to adjust the door opening to fit the door. Driver door opening ,i found was 1/4"-3/8" different from the passenger side door opening. I had to cut the door seal area on the cab and beat it back to the correct opening ,and reweld. Your door needs to go down to match the beltline , go from there....AND actual fitment, the front edge of the door is supposed to be 1/16" proud of the cab . adjust the hinges as necessary. might even have to resort to wallowing out the hinge at the cab side for adjustment. and even tweak the door a bit with a 2x4 placed and brute force applied to twist the door to fit the cab. happens a lot.
Really wish you would of shown how you were able to get your gap on top of the door and in the top left corner, that's where I am stuck at .. great video otherwise..
The top gap was good, didn't do anything. There is up and down adjustment on your hinges...if you can't get what you need, you can ream out the holes a touch...hope that helps!