I can't believe this just happened?

Question

85 Chevy FullSized Blazer (Suburban) 6.2 Diesel

OK, so I was at the gas station, just finished filling up and I went to open the door to get back out to double check i had put the gas cap back on. As I did, a HUGHE wind gust from this insanely stupid storm front moving through riped the door out of my hand and flung it foward to hard it bent the hinges i think, not it doesn't hit the little stud right and wont close, its offset, and I am really pissed about it.

Any ideas on the best way to fix this and if I can avoid having it done at a shop?

Answer 1

We use to fix these a lot in our shop....the hinges or hinge post of the body are bent from the door opening so hard...if you look real closely in the hinges area, you may see the paint cracked which will tell you where it's bent. What you need to do is a little tricky and may be best left up to someone who has done this before.
You'll have to determine how far out of adjustment the door is by closely examining how it lines up with the body and how the striker stud lines up with the latch on the door. Next, you'll have to place a solid metal object about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick (our guys would use a small socket from their tools) between the hinge halves of the lower or upper hinge depending on how the door hangs high or low or too far forward...this will keep the door from closing all the way and what you do is gently but firmly push inward on the door to rebend the hinge back to it's normal position...don't overbend the door hinges, just do a little at a time and recheck how it closes.
As I said, it's a little tricky but a good bodyman can usually fix it in less than 20 minutes so you may want to leave it up to a pro. If the paint is chipped the front edge of the door or fender, make sure you touch it up right away too.
Hope this helps, Paul

Answer 2

One good thing is there are a lot of these sitting in wrecking yards all across the country. My bet is that the hinges are bent. you can replace these pretty easy and can pick up replacements up at a junk yard for about fifften or twenty dollars a peice. It takes about a half hour to replace them and you will need someone to help you hold the door. hope this is the only problem. Other wise you will need a repair shop.

Answer 3

With out seeing the truck I would say it does not sound good!
If the door does not shut properly or not at all then good times are not to be had! It will probably need to have the door removed and straighten the post and door!
Take it to 2-3 shops and get a written quote on the repairs.
The written quote keeps the bill within 20 percent of the written.
A good body shop will probably cost you a little bit more, they are going to be a little more precise.
Good luck.

Answer 4

I hate when that happens.

Can you determine what is actually bent? It could be the door itself, the hinges, or (hopefully not) the A pillar itself?

The part that actually bent will determine your course of action. My money is on the hinge, which can be replaced fairly easily, but if the truck is a rust bucket the damage could be more serious.

Answer 5

I know this sounds crazy but i know someone who did it that worked.......if you can reach the hinges this way, take a hammer and bang it until the hinge clicks back into it.......otherwise, maybe someone at an auto parts store can give you advice....check websites to ask question...that way, it will save your money from a mechanic unless needed...good luck!

Answer 6

paul h is correct.
If the door is too low, bending the bottom hinge will raise the back. If it is too high, bend the top one to lower it.

Answer 7

you may have to shim it back to place