The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Replacing the drain holes in the doors.

I am working on a 51 3100 pickup. I opted to replace the bottom 4 inches on my doors because of numerous rust holes.

What are some of the ways some of you that have opted to repair like I did to put back the drain holes at the bottom of the doors? Is there a device to put a louver at the bottom of the door like the original drain holes?

It does not need louvers. Drill some holes. I don't think originality at that location is needed. You can not punch or die squeeze a louver because you can't access both side if already welded. You can't cut a louver shape and bend without extreme careful miniature work. (small Dremel burr tool).
When you drill thin sheet metal ALWAYS use a step drill.

If patch panel already welded in place and you really really really want louvers, you can make some and weld them in or get your old ones and weld them in. If you make them you will have to make a die set first.
If you don't like holes, cut 1/8 slits with 1/8 holes at the ends.

On a 1951 door, you actually do have access to the inside of the door through the lower hinge plate cover.

If you do want to copy the holes, you might have luck with an electricians hole punch (like Greenlee) that can be bought at your local hardware store. You would need to modify 1/2 of the die and you'd still have a small hole to deal with.

Thanks.

I think I will drill a 1/2 inch hole at each end of the door and one in the middle. I will then take some rust preventive measures to the inside of the doors.

Sounds kind of big, Better start at 1/4 and reconnoiter. Not like there is a flood in there. Part of the reason they are half moon shaped, with the flat against the inside, is to minimize visibility with good drain effeciency. Tucked inward. So you may not like the 1/2" diameter look. Be careful.

If worried about drain efficiency, add some extra 1/4" . Tuck the 1/4" holes right near inner wall like they did.

I am suggesting this never having an AD and don't have one to look at except pics. So please just consider my comments as brain storming.

If the half moons are 1/2 (Diameter), it would take 8 x 1/4" holes to equal (ouch!)

Might be surprised at what is inside your doors after 62 years, I drilled four 1/2in holes in the bottoms and they got plugged up with junk right away....

He is starting fresh and as MNSmith indicates, looks like access for a vacuum cleaner hose to keep it clean inside door.