Door Installation!

[EddieA]

Over the weekend, I decided to remove my doors, as I had recently acquired door storage bags. The removal process itself was fairly straightforward. However, the re-installation proved to be a more challenging endeavor. Recognizing the potential for unintended scratches and the overall convenience of having an extra pair of hands, I sought assistance. Among the doors, it was the front passenger side that posed the greatest challenge. Despite experimenting with various angles, I struggled to align it properly, repeatedly hearing the "click" without achieving the desired fit. After persistent attempts, I conceded defeat and sought professional help at the Ford dealership. To my surprise, the solution was remarkably simple: the dealership's body specialist utilized an electric ratchet to snugly secure the bolt.

I found myself astonished by this revelation. My cautious and delicate approach, aimed at safeguarding my cherished possession, ironically fell short due to insufficient force application.

This leads me to 2 questions

Question 1: Could this dealership fix merely serve as a temporary solution, potentially indicating an underlying issue that may resurface when I next remove the door? (I don't think the other doors clicked but maybe I didn't test them either)

Question 2: I did incur a minor setback during this process. While the door slipped and landed on my foot, it left a scratch along the edge. I am now contemplating whether to address this blemish with touch-up paint. My concern, however, lies in the possibility of exacerbating its appearance. Should I attempt a touch-up, or might it be wiser to leave it untouched? (photo attached)

I eagerly await your insights and advice on these matters. Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Also, any best practices with the door bags, I feel they made it more challenging and the metal zippers were a concern. I'm surprised Ford used metal zippers.

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[thenewjs]

I did the same as you, but my car is wrapped so no damage.

I did go buy some weatherstripping for the whole door edge.

Make sure you're using the guide pins and don't tighten them, leave them a lil loose so you can unscrew them out once the door is back on.

If you have 4 door, I'd suggest putting the rears on first, then no chance of nicking them on the front.

 

[kodiakisland]

Guide pins and door protectors. If it clicks, it's not tight enough. It does that by design.
Pay attention to what you are doing. Visually look at the hinges when you put the door back on. SLOWLY let go. Don't let it fall. Having done the 2 door many times by myself, it seems the 4 door would be easier, but I've never done one, so maybe it's just as difficult.

 

[Headsong]

You must install the same angle as you removed. Wait for the thump to know it's seated. Tighten. Tighten again. Tighten some more.

 

[TXBronco1313]

If you look in the tiny tool bag that came with your Bronco, you'll find 2 tiny pieces of weatherstripping/edge guards. Those are intended to be placed on the edges when putting back the doors.

 

[BlueBronco]

You are way over thinking this. Place the bags one before removal as it will be more difficult to apply them after removal. Move slowly and deliberately when removing/installing. Use guide pins and protective strip. Those of us who remove our doors frequently have been using a cordless ratchet for a while now.

If the scratch is not in a noticeable spot just order some touch up paint and, well, touch it up.

 

[BroncoA512021]

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Light application of touch up paint will fix you up. Doors are aluminum so no worries on rust if you leave it as is.

 

[EddieA]

You are way over thinking this. Place the bags one before removal as it will be more difficult to apply them after removal. Move slowly and deliberately when removing/installing. Use guide pins and protective strip. Those of us who remove our doors frequently have been using a cordless ratchet for a while now.

If the scratch is not in a noticeable spot just order some touch up paint and, well, touch it up.

Yes, i was actually looking into an electric ratchet. Which one do you have?

 

[BlueBronco]

Yes, i was actually looking into an electric ratchet. Which one do you have?

Ryobi as that is the tool eco system I bought into.

 

[Brsox]

Light application of touch up paint will fix you up. Doors are aluminum so no worries on rust if you leave it as is.

Not necessarily true. Aluminum can oxidize and that can spread under the paint and cause it to bubble up. No rust but it should be touched up to keep out air and moisture.

 

[21Area51BaDsas]

You got good advise above. I use touch up constantly. Got mine from www.touchupdirect.com. The dual tip brush and marker is great. Get some paint on it. Need to clear coat also. Order primer if down to the metal. Owning a bronco, between removing doors, tires throwing rocks and road rock chips touch up paint is a monthly ritual.

 

[Jdyount]

Ya, you just didn't get the bolts tight enough. Mine made that sound the first time I put my doors back on because I didn't have them all the torqued tight enough.

Tighten them almost as hard as you can by hand with the 1/4 ratchet from the tool kit. It's hard to get a ton of leverage so I think you'd need to have prodigious hand strength to over tighten with that tool. I would NOT suggest using an impact unless you have a lot of experience with one. That is the BEST way to cause damage by over tightening.

 

[EddieA]

Ya, you just didn't get the bolts tight enough. Mine made that sound the first time I put my doors back on because I didn't have them all the torqued tight enough.

Tighten them almost as hard as you can by hand with the 1/4 ratchet from the tool kit. It's hard to get a ton of leverage so I think you'd need to have prodigious hand strength to over tighten with that tool. I would NOT suggest using an impact unless you have a lot of experience with one. That is the BEST way to cause damage by over tightening.

Now I know, I bought an electric ratchet. Hopefully my next experience will be better.

The first time was a learning lesson for sure. Cost me a scratched door and a bruise foot (and ego). lol.

 

[kodiakisland]

I've not done a 4 door, but have done a 2 door by myself many times. The doors on the 2 dr are longer and heavier, so it seems the 4 door would be easier. The issue I have with this video is the guy stands on the outside of the door to remove and replace. That makes no sense to me. The hinges are on the inside. It's easy to see what you are doing when standing on the inside, not so much on the outside. I'm certainly not going to remove the bolts and then walk around to the other side, or vice versa. Stand on the inside where the hinges are.

Again, I only do the bigger and heavier 2 doors, but I see no reason to stand on the outside to make things more difficult.

Also, the ratchet in the kit works fine. Just tighten the bolts.

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