Hello all,

I've been slowly sanding, smoothing, fixing a crumpled rear fender and wheel well lip, and haven't been posting much. Also was traveling all over for a bit.

So back at it, and have decided I'll not be lazy, and do a proper paint with the doors off. I did this once on my 74 Karmann Ghia, but had a skilled friend that put the doors back on, who really knew how to line em up. He's not around anymore...and I'm looking for suggestions on pitfalls to avoid.

For example, is it best to unbolt the hinges from the car frame or from the door?

Can I mark them some how, like a dremel etcher, or something...or will that really matter?

Thanks!

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1983 W123 300TD US spec Turbo engine, with Euro bumpers and manual climate control, and manual transmission.

I would highly recommend not to do this on this car.

There are a bunch of sensitive parts on the inside like plastic that has been sitting there for 30 years, alignment issues and the like to go wrong. I replaced three doors due to rust when I repainted and it took at least a year to flush out the issues of power windows, vacuum locks, etc with a bunch of tiny pieces.

Removal is actually pretty easy. Installing them was also *pretty* easy, except that each door is so friggin heavy.

Dkr.

I agree with dkr...
but just for the record.... if someone is forced to take them off...
yes, you mark them on the pillars...
and you research the tool that body shops use to realign...
and you need to be on concrete to use it....
it holds the door and you can swing the door open to adjust and tighten the hinge...
it is not complicated.... just a magically helpful tool....
I drove a KG for about ten years.... fond memories....

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

On some cars you can drill a small hole in the part of the hinge you are removing. This gets you back to perfect door alignment or at least what it was before removal.

You just insert a drill or guide in the hole of the hinge and body to restore proper position when reinstalling.