switching our doors

[SVOsocool]

I have some rust in the bottom of my doors and I am planning on putting two new doors on in replacement. How hard will it be to take everything out of the SVO doors and put into the new doors? The new doors have absolutely nothing power to them so everything will have to be replaced. Has anyone done this? Thanks.

[Mustang Matt]

Its not too hard, I have done the power window retrofit and it is the hardest. Lay them down next to each other and go at it. You will have to really do some pushing and pulling to get the window out but it comes out with the track and all. It's nice to have someone that can help you on this part. Instead of using those giant rivets to hold everything in (lock motor, window regulators etc.) use bolts with a nylon locknut. It makes life easier next time around.
While you have it apart clean up all of the window tracks and replace all of the nylon bushings and window felts, its worth every penny when you push the button and they work right.
Also- Before you do the swap install the doors on the car empty. I have seen many a door that just would not line up correctly, tweaked in a previous life and not visible until you get it on the car. Save yourself doing it twice and make sure they line up first.

[Ken Potter]

White Lithium Grease

Also be sure to clean thoroughly then regrease all rollers / contact points / power window motor gears with white lithium grease. You can get it at most tool supply places. It won't freeze when it's cold out or run off in hot weather. It usually comes in a spray can with the tube type spray nozzle attachment like WD-40 so you can get into the tight spaces.

[SVOsocool]

thanks

Thanks guys, I plan to get started on it within a couple of weeks.

[Philc]

Originally posted by Mustang Matt

Also- Before you do the swap install the doors on the car empty. I have seen many a door that just would not line up correctly, tweaked in a previous life and not visible until you get it on the car. Save yourself doing it twice and make sure they line up first.

this is a good idea, but also remember to re-align the doors when full of window/motor, etc. I have hung doors before, put all the stuff in them, then the door wont close 'coz the extra weight caused it to come out of alignment.
just my $0.02

[svoman2300]

My doors are also rusted on the bottom pretty bad. I was wondering what do you do with the sticker on the door that has the info on it? Also are doors the same from 79-93? I thought I read somewhere that you need doors from 83-86, Which will be hard to find a rust-free used door that old.

[SVOsocool]

I know that Martiworks makes door plates, so I assume that he makes the stickers also. I guess I should check so that I don't have to be real careful with the original sticker.

[Mustang Matt]

Excellent point philc I never get them right the first time anyway. The 83-86 dors are not that hard t find,, keep scrounging the junkyards. I bought a set of them for my 86 convertible- one cost me $50 the other cost $200. They were perfect rust free and straight as an arrow, the one that I pait $50 for was actually the nicest. The 87-93 doors can be used if you fill the holes from the molding that is placed under the window (dew wipes). It would be better for the car in the future to maintain the integrity of the build dates on the panels. Trying to find something that is correct date wise for the car may pay off ala correct dates on a Shelby.

I took an angle grinder with a wire brush to the bottom of my doors and cleaned all of the rust out. Then painted it with a rustoleum type paint. This will slow things down long enough to keep it from poking out the paint on the outer surface of the car while you find a pair of good replacements. I have a set of 93 doors and was considering using them on my 84 but have decided to wait until I find the right part for the car.