removing doors

[ajwans]

What's the correct bit and size for removing the door hinges from
a 67 911? It's 12 (?) pointed and while a hex bit fits I don't think
it will get enough torque to withdraw the bolt.

andy

[EARLY911ZOO]

to remove you need an impact tool and this bit
Triple square insert Bit XZN 8mm 5/16" hex shank

However it is best to remove the pins instead, as removing the bolts it will be necessary to re-align your doors.
if the DOORS have a nice gap nowDONT REMOVE THE BOLTS

[EARLY911ZOO]

first support the door so it may be relieved of its weight during removal
to pull the pins you can use a modified heavy duty dent puller...
attach a solid aluminum or steel block with threads for the pullers threaded end.

put the block under the hinge where the protruding pin is and slide up the weight on the puller to pound in a upwards motion tapping the pin from the bottom up...

[EARLY911ZOO]

you can always buy the proper Porsche tool for the job

the P290 and head attachment P290A

[ajwans]

Hmm, my door pins have the heads on the bottom, they must have
been off already and the pins put back in upside down.

andy

[EARLY911ZOO]

top hinge pin aiming up head down
bottom pin the reverse

[66S]

Dont remove the pins. Unbolt the hinges from the body. On a 356 you remove the pins, not with 911.

[Zithlord]

In the vintage factory video they first align the door unpainted, tighten the bolts on the hinges, then remove the door by removing the pins, then paint the door, mounting it back on the car with the pins. This is the 911 in the factory production of 1973.

john

[rngpc]

I am contemplating having some paint work done and need to remove the driver's door. I always thought you did it by the pins because of the alignment issues. Also, you will have bolts that will have messed up paint from removing them and tightening them back up. I guess you could touch them up, but what a hassle.
Is the general consensus to remove pins? Can you reuse the old ones or should you get new ones? I read the new ones have to be turned down slightly because they are oversize.

[edmayo]

As others have said before me, DO NOT remove the bolts unless you just simply want to learn how to realign doors. You will have a real appreciation for those that can do it. This of course is assuming that the gap is correct now. The pins are reused generally, there are bushing kits from Porsche if the hinge holes are worn, but they will require reaming or honing to size. Before removing the hinge pins, open the door halfway and lift the door from the bottom, if it rocks and you can see movement at the hinge pin then you'll need the bushing kit I mentioned. If there is any realigning of the door to be done, that MUST be done before any painting. As John pointed out, the painting is done after door adjustments are made then the hinge pins are driven in. I have the Porsche pin tool and that makes life so much easier, but I have done this with generic tools from MAC and others.