MK 11 Drivers Door

[Mister G]

The restoration project has got as far as the doors.

The passenger door is sound but the drivers door has the bottom rusted out in places.

The base is not repairable as the remaining metal is so corroded.

So I am faced with 2 options

1. fit a repair section to it, happy to do this and off the shelf sections seem readily available from most of the main suppliers

2. ditch the door and look for a replacement.

All of the mechanisms and door-card are fine, no problems that I can see with anything apart from serious rusting at the base.

The outer skin is fine as well, no rust bubbles coming through.

I wonder what experiences other members have had and what their advice would be?

John

[torque2me]

The restoration project has got as far as the doors.

The passenger door is sound but the drivers door has the bottom rusted out in places.

The base is not repairable as the remaining metal is so corroded.

So I am faced with 2 options

1. fit a repair section to it, happy to do this and off the shelf sections seem readily available from most of the main suppliers

2. ditch the door and look for a replacement.

All of the mechanisms and door-card are fine, no problems that I can see with anything apart from serious rusting at the base.

The outer skin is fine as well, no rust bubbles coming through.

I wonder what experiences other members have had and what their advice would be?

John

It depends if you want quality, quickness, cheepness etc. Each will have it's pros and cons. I would think though, with your description, that a repair section is the way to go. Can depend on how much you can get away with without the need for painting. Painting, is time and yet more time for the preperation and then more wonga for the paint. If you do scrap the door, salvage all the fittings you can - never know what the replacement door will need.


Kev

[jamcarr2]

I did this on mine ,just replaced the door bottom but it is very difficult to separate the bottom panel from the door skin the lip at the bottom of the skin lips over the bottom panel and it is usually corroded to the skin so separating them can cause damage to the door panel
John

[brian0443]

John
I didn't have the skills to do my own, but last year faced the same decision. Luckily found two used doors in superb condition, locally and at a good price. The seller had done all the hard work in sourcing them, as he had bought Mk1 doors for a Mk 2 car. My good fortune. Have a look at whats out there and than make your decision.
Brian

[edd]

My doors were ok but the advice I was usually given was to at least try to source second hand doors. They seem a straight forward shape but curve ever so slightly along the length and I have seen some that flare out at the bottom where it meet the rear wing after having work although ofcourse some make a great job if it.
Edd

[brian0443]

Agree with Edd. One of the doors I got slotted straight in. The other required a bit of fettling. Was it the door, or is it the shape of my car? who knows after forty years
Brian