So I went to get my car appraised for a paint job. Some minor body work needs to be done, making the vinyl top a hardtop requires some work, a dent in the hood, otherwise a straight body. EXCEPT for the doors. honestly they don't look that bad too me, but according to the guy at the repair shop he said it would be easier to just find new doors then to repair them and that if he repaired them that they would just have the same problem in the future. Now I know that Gbodies have a reputation for rusted out doors, which makes me think that I am not likely to find rust free doors in the junk yard here in georgia, which is 400 percent humidity all year long. Any advice on whether I should give up and start looking for new doors or if you think a new door skin would solvethe problem. I have a little experience welding, but no welder and I would prefer a professional do my bodywork. Thanks.
Should I replace my doors?
- Thread starter alphamale
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It doesn't look that horrible in the pictures. I would clean up the areas by either lightly sand or media blast, or use a wire wheel, and see what you have to work with. If it isn't rusted through, perhaps it can be treated with osphose(*spelling*) and primed with a good anti-rust coating.
The doors on my car are worse than those, but I have replacement doors. If I didn't have replacements, I'd probably consider welding and patching them up.
The doors on my car are worse than those, but I have replacement doors. If I didn't have replacements, I'd probably consider welding and patching them up.
No one makes new doors, so you must find a better set of used ones. There is a company that that makes the lower inner and outr sheet metal. If it was done right it should last a long time. after its welded and painted you can always have rustproofing sprayed in the door cavity. My old doors had big giant holes all over it. Even up by the top. I got a set of good doors for nothing from a friend who works at a restoration shop. They have very little rust and no holes thank god. Try Brown's of Two River's for the lower door sheetmetal if you cant find a better set.
I'd have to agree...the doors don't like that bad. Here's an idea that you might consider. I've tried this on my Vega with good results. Its been 20 years and still no rust coming thru. Sand blast the rusted area and then epoxy primer. Take some clear rubberized rock guard and tint it to your body color and shoot the area. Looks great and the stuff is tougher than paint. Forgot to mention, it does require compressor air and a special gun (~$30) that screws on the top of the rock guard can. This technique can also be used on the inside floorboards.
Al
Al
This is some great advice. Even if your doors aren't rusted, it's good protection to spray that stuff since the design of these doors beg for moisture and rust/corrosion in that area. I have the inside of my doors sprayed with it. Water holes still work. Before the door panels go on, the inner lips may get some additional clear treatment.malibu80 said:
To seal the doors as mentioned above, is a good idea! With that said, ask your body man how much he'll charge to media blast, prime, and paint the doors only (assuming that you'll be sealing the doors you decide to use anyways). Compare his repair cost to the cost of having rust free doors (from the southwest?) bought, shipped, and installed, or new replacement door skins (about $240.00 ea. + shipping), or new replacement doors (about $580.00 ea. + shipping) plus installation.
I used the prices from an Original Parts Group catalog only (might be cheaper elsewhere).
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Doug
I used the prices from an Original Parts Group catalog only (might be cheaper elsewhere).
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Doug
Thank you for all the input. I think I am going to take the wire wheel to it this afternoon and see what im working with. If it isnt too bad Ill probably media blast it and prime it until I can get it painted. Thanks for all the advice. When I find more time I would like to do a build thread on her.
alphamale said:
i ust stress that if there are any door issues at all you need to fix them and fix them correctly, i would really opt for door skins or new doors by looking at your pictures. since you are painting them, it wil end up being a total waste of time and money if your doors issues come back in 2 or 3 years
All great tips and advise...Thoise doors don't look that bad......When you make your decision make sure you put new inner and outer window felts on the doors as well...The biggest reason they rust like that is because of bad window felts and the drain plug in the doore get plugges and the water has nowhere to go.....Good luck. A while ago when I had a previous '84 I scored southern doors from a guy who lives in the next town away from me, found them by putting a craigslist add...I stole them doors...good luck!!
First, I must tell you that I'm not a painter! Second, if you plan to remove the rust and old paint to check the door bottoms, I think you'll need to seal the primer if you're not planning to paint right away, or use a good primer/sealer. IIRC regular primer will absorb moisture and will allow rust to form on your newly cleaned metal (painters, please jump in!).
X2 on the window seals.
Doug
X2 on the window seals.
Doug
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