The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop patching door skin

Got a rust hole on the lower driver's door on my '40. The rusty part is the lower 6 inches or so and goes maybe a foot toward the front of the truck. I'm thinking of using a cutoff wheel to cut that portion out then getting similiar guage flat steel, tack with mig, then bending the bottom/side lip, then doing the full mig welding. Does that sounds about right? Any suggestions appreciated. Any tips on bending for that lip?

i have seen patch panels for sale somewhere w/the door paenl lip part way formed, just a hammer & dolly req'd to finish the bend. check around the net, maybe poke around www.autobodystore.com ,brian

I bent the folded part on the bottom and on 1 side on the bench by clamping it between some angle iron and gradually worked it with a hammer untill it was 90 degrees, then removed it and continued folding it over a piece of 3/16 steel so it will slide over the door frame. Tacked it to the frame and then trimmed and folded the last side over the frame. Did both doors this way and am very pleased with the outcome.
Good luck............Dale

Thanks 64 that is a great site. I've been there before but forgot about it. That sounds like the way I will go Dale. Fab it on the bench first then move to the door. Do you remember what guage metal it is on the door? They have metal sheets at Home Depot so might get it there. Where did you source your metal?

not sure about Dale, but I have been cutting metal from hoods & doors from parts trucks-that way I get the same guage & it is very cheap,,brian

Hey, good idea 64. There is a small wrecking yard nearby. I've been meaning to take an old 12-bolt, springs and some other stuff down there just to get rid of it. It should be worth an old hood or door in trade.

Dennis,
I did the bottom of my 4t6 and took a lot of pics. Still haven't finished but have a look at pics. Maybe will help you some way. Just take your time and weld in increments so you don't warp.
Dan
http://community.webshots.com/photo/512683224/1512695955071274430lWhMwv

Right Dan, the rust on mine is at the same point except just toward the real opening. Looks like a good spot for the water to get trapped. I will take the paint off towards the front to be sure but don't see any bubbling there. Thanks for the pics.