Door Pin Tech

Worn door pins and bushings are what cause the doors on any Firebird/Trans Am/Camaro 70-81 to sag. The causes un-necessary wear on the door jam, striker, lock mechanism and the door itself. The problem is the bushing wear out in the door hinges around the pins. Replacing the pins and bushings will bring the door back up and allow it close with little effort. The lock mechanism will again line up and not cause as much damage.

Below we are showing how to replace the door pins on a 79 10th Anniversary Trans Am. The pins We bought were from YearOne. You will some basic tools, a friend, some hydraulic jacks (to hold the door up in removal and re-installation), and I needed a dremel type tool, as I cut the old pins out. (This may not be necessary on every car, but I saw no other way.

Step-1
We tried to do the task without removing the door, but could not imagine positioning the door, as heavy as it is, and driving in new pins. So we removed the door. (Be sure to mark on the doors with an awl where the hinges meet to the door, so you can easily line it back up when you bolt it back up.
Step-2
The door pins are staked in, not a simple drive-them-out technique. We tried to use a grinding stone bit, but the stone was getting demolished, and little of the pin was being removed. Rather than grind the pin down to drive it out, we decided to cut it in half and drive the smaller pieces out.
Step-3
We bought a dremel, cut the pins in half, and with the doors off, could wiggle the pins out. Well we had to drive them out with a chisel. The old bushings and pins were in bad shape.With the door off, so much more room is available to work on the pins.
Step-4
Installing the new bushings and pins is a snap, just gently tap them in, no real force is necessary. To not scuff or mark up the pins and bushing, we held a piece of wood over the bushing or pin and tapped on that with a hammer. The pin is has grooves on it near the head the firmly hold it in place. When it is installed, it will not fall out.
Step-5
We re-installed the door, lined it up, and voila! The door lined up and easily closed and latched. It is great to see the door work so well.

Before

Old and New Pins

New pins & bushings installed.

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