Door Skins

[usasma]

I'm not real clear on the concept of door skins. Could someone please explain? I've got rust bubbling up under the paint in the lower front corner of my driver's door (in my 74½ GT) and the local expert has recommended replacing the door. I'm wondering if I only need a skin, and if so, how difficult will it be to replace?

 

[Bugeye58]

John, door skins are relatively easy to replace. Grind along the edges of the doors until the outer skin separates from the shell, and use a wide, flat chisel to clean up the metal left on the inner side. The new skin is placed into position, and the edges are rolled and crimped around the shell edges.
Piece of cake for any decent body shop. I see that "B" skins are about $90 a side from VB.
Personally, I would strip the paint from the door to determine the extent of the rust, and maybe go with a patch. VB is also selling a patch panel for the lower door for 8 bucks. A bit more labor intensive to install, but cheaper, if you are doing the work yourself. If you are paying a shop to do it, it would probably be better to skin it.
Jeff

 

[usasma]

Thanks Jeff!

I've got eye problems and can't do the fine/detail work anymore - so I'll probably end up having the shop do it. His work is outstanding (I've seen several cars that he's done and got to see his "in progress" work with a 53 Corvette) and he's the most respected body guy in this section of the state.

He said that he could patch it, but that it would be better to replace it (and he really didn't want to patch it), he's also going to patch a few other rust spots and wants to patch the hood where it's rusted (I may go with a new hood instead).

And, once again, thanks for the advice!

 

[Salyers890]

hmm. another alternative is to find a door and hood somewhere that's not rusted. at my local swap meet there was a bunch last year for pretty cheap (30 for door, 120 for hood). that being said, it's cheaper, but there's nothing like new metal