After reading all the threads about door pins, bushing, and hinges, and from examining my problem I think I might have a more complicated situation. I was hoping for some advice. I have provided some high resolution pictures if you want to click on them. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

These pictures are of the higest quality I could make them in hopes that it would help someone diagnose my problem, it may take awhile to load a picture once you click on it.

The main issue that brings this all up is that my at the front, my window seals at the bottom but there is a gap at the top.

Drivers window (bottom) (http://www.mardens.com/misc/elky_door_problem/Drivers%20Side%20Windows%20(BOTTOM).jpg)

Drivers window (top) (http://www.mardens.com/misc/elky_door_problem/Drivers%20Side%20Window%20(TOP).jpg)

Secondly, and possibly and attributin factor, the door has a large gap between it's front and the front fender, and almost no gap at the rear.

Drivers door (gap at front, none at rear) (http://www.mardens.com/misc/elky_door_problem/Drivers%20Door%20(Gap%20at%20front,%20none%20at%20 rear).jpg)

Lastly, I am trying to find out if the problem is at all related to the hinges. The door seems to close ok most of the time without having to slam it super hard. Here are some pics of my hinges. Looks to my like the lower part of the upper hinge pin is wearing a hole into the hinge but the upper part looks ok. Please advise.

Drivers door top hinge (http://www.mardens.com/misc/elky_door_problem/Drivers%20Door%20Top%20Hinge.jpg)

Drivers door bottom hinge (http://www.mardens.com/misc/elky_door_problem/Drivers%20Door%20Bottom%20Hinge.jpg)

the biggest problem to me seems to be the alignment of the door. its sitting too far back and therfor creating part of the gap in the window as well. the door hinge pins could be replaced when you realign your door, they're cheap enough and they usually come with bigger bushings as well.

I agree. The hinges are worn, door alignment is off. Rebuild the hinges then have someone help you align the door properly.

I agree change your pins and bushings. Align the door and replace the door striker pins and you will fix your problem.

Good luck and get help those doors are VERY heavy!

Your El Camino has the proverbial GM, big door, Sagging Hinge Syndrome (SHS). Since you did such a nice job of taking pictures I'll use one of them to demonstrate.

http://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/pics/bad_hinge.jpg

This shows the pin has worn through the bushing and is rubbing against the metal of the hinge. That is a picture of the bottom bushing so the top bushing is probably just as bad or worse. It's not beyond repair though. Once you fix it by installing a new pin and bushings you'll be surprised how well the window will seal.

Another problem is the door striker and the door latch. Inspect them good for wear. The SHS will do a job on them.

Thanks you very much for your diagnosis, I rely on advice from you all quite often. It helps me to make the proper repair the first time rather than guessing. This forum is great! What adjustment of the hinge would move the entire door forward? Which part is the striker?

Does this look like what I need for my 85 Elky?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33710&item=2475479860&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

yep thats a hinge pin kit. though you can get them way cheaper in auto parts store. i got mine 3 dollars canadian a pair.

Have you owned the car for a while? I only ask because if someone else has messed with the door glass adjustments in an effort to make the window fit, and you fix the hinge problem, the first time you close the door with the window up you could be too high or too far forward and end up shattering the glass. If you are unsure if it has been adjusted I would leave the glass down until the door is completely lined up and then work on the glass adjustments.

Have you owned the car for a while? I only ask because if someone else has messed with the door glass adjustments in an effort to make the window fit, and you fix the hinge problem, the first time you close the door with the window up you could be too high or too far forward and end up shattering the glass. If you are unsure if it has been adjusted I would leave the glass down until the door is completely lined up and then work on the glass adjustments.

This is exactly what I was worried about. I have owned the car for less than a year and since at the bottom the glass seales but not at the top I am kind of worries about that. Are there internal adjustments from the glass? Maybe I need to get the hinge pin kit and dedicate an entire day to reworking the whole door inside and out.

Yes. There are several adjustments along with roller guides that may be worn. Best bet would be to take the door panel off and check the rollers and have those available to replace when you tackle this. If you'll post some pics of the bare door I can tell you how to adjust it after the pins are replaced.

What adjustment of the hinge would move the entire door forward? Which part is the striker?
Just changing the pin and bushings should move the top of the door forward. The striker looks like this and engages the latch assembly when the door is fully closed.
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/elcamino/pics/striker.jpg
Once you remove the upper and lower door panel you'll see there are several adjustments for the window. Some limit up movement. Some control the in/out position in the fully up position. And there are more. I spent several hours yesterday working on the drivers door of my 86 MCSS.

That ebay auction had enough parts to do two doors but it only had two oversized bushings. You're better off going to the Help section of your local auto parts store. They're much cheaper.

Hope you are luckier then i was the top hinge on mine was soooo bad the pins and bushings kit would not fix it.

I also had to play around with the window adjustments to get it to finally close and seal half way decent. And more work is still needed..