OBX Fisherman
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2005
- Location
- Winston-Salem
Here's a few things I discovered the past few days while taking my doors off that may make your job easier when you decide to go doorless one day. This is one of the more difficult projects I had with my XJ. This pertains to the older style door hinge.
If your fenders are severely cut and you no longer have the inner plastic fender you can look in at the front side of the hinges from the wheel well.
In this pic (passenger side) the 4 arrows are pointing to the holes in the hinges. I bought a long T40 torx bit from Home Depot and attached it to several extensions and a universal joint on my ratchet. I was able to get the bit into those holes and seated in the torx head. I was able to break the torx bolt loose and then use a slack-jawed pliers to take the bolt the rest of the way out with the door open and supported. (see below)
I found using the extensions and universal joint was way too cumbersome so I came up with plan B which proved to be much easier.
Thats a craftsman T40 torx bit I ground 2 flats spots on to fit in a 5/8" wrench. If I put the socket in the ratchet the bit it wont fit on the 2 inner bolts due to clearence.
By closing the door and pinching the torx socket in the door jam I was able to keep pressure on it while turning it so the torx doesn't pop out.
Once the bolts holding the door were broke loose used a tow strap to support the door by the rafters in my garage...
...and used the slack jaw pliers to remove the bolts completely. I was able to lower the door to the floor by myself in a controlled manner.
Once the doors are off you may find your dog has discovered a new place to sleep!!
Now I'm on to fabricating some tube doors for the XJ!!
Gary R
BTW, riding around doorless is GREAT, now I know why so many people like the SWB jeeps!!
If your fenders are severely cut and you no longer have the inner plastic fender you can look in at the front side of the hinges from the wheel well.
In this pic (passenger side) the 4 arrows are pointing to the holes in the hinges. I bought a long T40 torx bit from Home Depot and attached it to several extensions and a universal joint on my ratchet. I was able to get the bit into those holes and seated in the torx head. I was able to break the torx bolt loose and then use a slack-jawed pliers to take the bolt the rest of the way out with the door open and supported. (see below)
I found using the extensions and universal joint was way too cumbersome so I came up with plan B which proved to be much easier.
Thats a craftsman T40 torx bit I ground 2 flats spots on to fit in a 5/8" wrench. If I put the socket in the ratchet the bit it wont fit on the 2 inner bolts due to clearence.
By closing the door and pinching the torx socket in the door jam I was able to keep pressure on it while turning it so the torx doesn't pop out.
Once the bolts holding the door were broke loose used a tow strap to support the door by the rafters in my garage...
...and used the slack jaw pliers to remove the bolts completely. I was able to lower the door to the floor by myself in a controlled manner.
Once the doors are off you may find your dog has discovered a new place to sleep!!
Now I'm on to fabricating some tube doors for the XJ!!
Gary R
BTW, riding around doorless is GREAT, now I know why so many people like the SWB jeeps!!
Do see "safari" doors in your near future ?
