door post cracking on my 87
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Postmaster
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door post cracking on my 87
On my 87 van, I noticed some cracks surrounding the door latch bolt for the drivers door. I welded up all the cracks and it was fine for a couple months, then it started cracking again, this time right around the edge of the washer at that bolt.
Anybody ever seen this before?
My current plan is to grind the existing welds smooth and weld a plate of new steel over the area, hoping it doesn't stick our too far and keep the door from closing.
Anybody have a better idea for me?
Anybody ever seen this before?
My current plan is to grind the existing welds smooth and weld a plate of new steel over the area, hoping it doesn't stick our too far and keep the door from closing.
Anybody have a better idea for me?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I've seen this before on different vehicles so its not confined to just one year, brand or body style. Door adjustment and of course frequency of use impact this sort of wear and tear significantly.
Buttressing that area with a slightly heavier piece of metal is a good idea. I'd plan on cutting out an area on the pillar and fit the patch behind the existing surface of the pillar. This gives you added strength with a thicker piece plus avoids the fix protruding too far towards the door shell.
The patch piece could be fabricated to match the existing holes or mounting before inserting it for welding. I'm not sure but guessing there is or should be access to the inside of the B-pillar along the body side or one could be cut to allow the patch to be fit into place.
Welding-wise I'd drill 3/8"> 1/2" holes in the pillar to allow for plug welding the new patch to the pillar, grinding and finishing to suit. If the door strike is too far away it could be shimmed with same thickness metal which should then bring it back to the factory original point in relation to clearance.
Or maybe there's a better way from someone else?
Buttressing that area with a slightly heavier piece of metal is a good idea. I'd plan on cutting out an area on the pillar and fit the patch behind the existing surface of the pillar. This gives you added strength with a thicker piece plus avoids the fix protruding too far towards the door shell.
The patch piece could be fabricated to match the existing holes or mounting before inserting it for welding. I'm not sure but guessing there is or should be access to the inside of the B-pillar along the body side or one could be cut to allow the patch to be fit into place.
Welding-wise I'd drill 3/8"> 1/2" holes in the pillar to allow for plug welding the new patch to the pillar, grinding and finishing to suit. If the door strike is too far away it could be shimmed with same thickness metal which should then bring it back to the factory original point in relation to clearance.
Or maybe there's a better way from someone else?
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