rear flip up door alignment issue

[TLCHopII]

FYI: this is also posted in the paint & body work section. Just feel that the "true" FJ40 people are here!

Hello all!
Recently installed the 1973's Fj40 hardtop after about a year of running w/o it. Unfortunately, ran into some unforeseen problems. Namely the passenger door no longer shuts properly and more to the point of this inquire; the rear flip up door is sticking. In fact, it appears that the door is no longer centered in the opening. A screw driver is required, in conjunction with operating the door handle to "pop" it open.

My question is: Is there an adjustment which will allow the door too be re centered? The FSM and Haynes manuals do not mention nor illustrate such an adjustment. Ordinarily, I would just attempt to loosen the screws and seed what happens but the hinge plates, door and jamb fasteners are painted over. I would rather go directly to the proper fasteners and minimise the damage to the paint.

Appreciate in advance the assistance.

 

[F-junker]

The passenger door can be adjusted by the hinges and or striker plate in the door jam. I would check the pass. door for alignment and adjust the striker first, then consider the hinges as they are a little harder to adjust by yourself (with a helper no problem).
Use a good sharp and proper sized phillips screwdriver and clamp on a vise grip to the shaft of the driver for leverage. Push hard against the screws and turn the wrench carefully as not to buger up the screw heads (apply PB blaster over night to screws!). Some folks use and impact tool for these screws but I've never had to go that far with them.
Regarding the rear door... I'm not sure if there is adjustment there or not as I had Amby doors out back, I can't see why there wouldn't be some adjustment. I assume that the body is in good shape and has not collasped any?? If you truck is abound with the rust gremlin (or past poor-repair work) alignment will be difficult if not impossible. GL

 

[TLCHopII]

thank you f-JUNKER for the info.

The passenger door and/or rear hatch issues result from three things: 1) Daughter (new driver) "kissed" the top with her Mother's car twice (that I know of) while it was in storage. 2)a minor lay over of the vehicle, last summer, w/o the hard top in place, decreased the clearance for the pass. door. by 1/4". 3) The rear lift up hatch is not centered in the hard top jamb.

Guess this will be a bit of trial & error with some primer, seam sealer & paint handy. The Passenger door will require a bit more effort. The "A" pillar of the tub requires truing. This will require some chains and port-a-power. The rear hatch is of more immediate concern as the recovery gear, spares & tools are back there! It has stuck since I have owned the rig. It is just much worse now.

 

[F-junker]

Looks like you've got a few bug-a-boos there to work out my friend. I feel for you. I t could be worse though. I can't even mount my top as the prior owner rebuilt the truck from a 78 and 79 tub. The handyman body work, homemade body mounts and years of rust have knocked my tub so far out of wack a hardtop will never fit with out some cutting, welding and power-packing!!

I gave up on trying to make it fit, but just don't have the heart to pitch the bits and peices of hardtop I have left. heck I still catch myself looking for more parts and rethinking a way of beating the dead horse!!
Good Luck to you.

 

[TLCHopII]

Thanks,

The rear door issue is going to be resolved prior to the 5th but the passenger door will be adjusted to a "close as can get" functional position till later.

There is likely some other body work and paint job to be done ove rthe next couple years so anything too involved can wait till then. Shoots the hardtop is only on for about 3 or 4 months a year anyway! It is Hawaii afterall!

Happy new year