Today I decided to see if I could get the latch and hinges out of the driver's door that had been welded in.
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| Hinges and Latch |
I used a 4 inch cutoff tool and cut the welds between the door and the hardware. Then I drilled out all the screws as they were welded and screwed together. I was able to save the hinges and the latch but the latch is so worn out I will get new ones. Then I decided to see if I could separate the inner and outer door skins.
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| Inner and Outer Apart |
Originally they are spot welded at the top and crimped on the other 3 sides but this one had welds everywhere. I ground out the welds and opened the flange on the perimeter and was able to get the rotten outer skin off.
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| Bottom Corner |
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| Bottom Corner |
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| Inner Skin with Latch Cut Out |
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| Bondo |
The inner skin will need some welding to repair cracks and holes, and I will construct a new bottom lip and corner and new pocket for the latch.
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| Inner Skin Hung on car |
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| Latch Pocket Needs Repair |
Then I hung the inner panel back on the car to see how warped it was and with a little work it fits pretty well. I will order a new outer skin and fit it to the old inner skin and with a little time, re-use this door. In the last picture, notice the large caliber bullet hole by the latch. Hope no one was sitting in the driver's seat when that happened! Steve
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