Doorstop reinforcement kit

[Alex001]

I took the panel off the driver side door to install a new doorstop and reinforcement kit, only to find that the original plate inside the door is in bad shape - pretty much ripped all the way. I suppose I'll have to get it welded. Has anybody tried to get this done without taking the door out (which I am reluctant to do)? It seems it'd be awfully hard to do welding inside the door.

[john walker's workshop]

welding with the door attached can be done if the job is fairly minor, like just prying the split bracket back into position and tack welding it, then installing the repair plate behind it. access can be improved by cutting the inner panel at the speaker hole. welding too close to the door skin will blister the paint, so a metal heat shield is cut and trimmed as needed to keep heat off the skin. a wire feed welder is best to keep the heat down. one tack at a time.

[COLDBASS]

Alex001,

I just had this done on my '76 coupe. Unfortunately, the PO previous weld job had broken and a large piece (approx 3" x 4") had separated. The reinforcement kit was of little use in my situation. My resourceful tuner, fabricated a large mounting plate from 1/4" aluminum stock. This added more strength than simply re-welding the broken piece. Coincidently, as suggested on a previous post, the actual arm on the stop was modified to relief the un-needed pressure. The doors on these vehicles remind me of small passenger aircraft doors. One small gust of wind will whip the doors into the fully open position. Picked up the car today, his solution appears very solid, and I believe it may have been the only way to really salvage the door due to the extent of the damage. Sorry I do not have any pics...no welding therefore my crappy paint job was unharmed...

Good Luck,

Bob