[munch]

I'm going to start on the door repairs on my 1953 Chevy pickup and need to replace the door bottoms where they are prone to rust.  I know that you can buy the door bottoms from LMC and others, but I can't find anything on installing them.
Do you cut the door exactly like the patch and butt wield the seem, or do the replacements fit over the cut off section and them wielded and body worked?

 As always, thanks for the help.

[madmike3435]

what does LMC say is correct way......email or call them.

mike

[sammons]

Munch this might roughly help. Couldn't find a video of them actually doing the cut off/ replace, but this guy gives you the basics.

Yes, i would butt weld outer panel flush, just tack first(center ends and every 2" at first) then weld small good tacks between. Working different areas, (boncing around to keep from heat distortion) till you have it all welded. On the lip around bottom sides, once folded just a good tack every 1-1/2" or 2" like the factory did.

Run into any problems, just holler 🙂

https://youtu.be/v8p4Tw2-6W8

[munch]

what does LMC say is correct way......email or call them.

mike

Will do...

[munch]

Munch this might roughly help. Couldn't find a video of them actually doing the cut off/ replace, but this guy gives you the basics.

Yes, i would butt weld outer panel flush, just tack first(center ends and every 2" at first) then weld small good tacks between. Working different areas, (boncing around to keep from heat distortion) till you have it all welded. On the lip around bottom sides, once folded just a good tack every 1-1/2" or 2" like the factory did.

Run into any problems, just holler 🙂

https://youtu.be/v8p4Tw2-6W8 Thanks Sammons

[RoarsRods]

Hey Munch, You always need to start our flush with both pieces of sheet metal! And only tack it on different areas to make sure that you are still in the correct position!
That’s some times my problem doing to much welding then figuring it out that I was all off for positions! Now it’s a pain to cut all the welds off and clean up and start over again!
You can do all your welds with MIG as I also did my 33 Ford front grille with MIG and those vertical grille pieces are all paper thin or no metal and came out like brand new!
Just make sure you weld different areas of the piece so that you give it a chance to cool down and not cause warping! Another trick if you use a two sets of Wide opening jaws Locking C-Clamp with Swivel Pads when holding the two pieces together this action will suck away the heat into the vise grips with less heat distortion on the pieces that you are welding! Your best bet is to do a completely MIG the whole piece together then start out with a flap diss then go to a 7 inch angle sanding disc with different grades!
Here is my front left side 34 Chevy fender that I had taken out the spare tire wel area and shaped a new top fender sheet metal and welded all into place! Plus had to repair a rear fender dent that my Dad had made from dropping his metal tool box by accident in his very tight work shop!
Hope this helps!
RoarsRods

[RoarsRods]

Here’s a YouTube video to patch panel your door! You can either TIG or MIG your panels! A few other tips you can never have the metal to clean and even wipe down with a clean rag before welding! Also it might be a good idea to practice on some scrap metal similar to what you would be welding plus that will allow you to get the heat settings correct!
RoarsRods

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+welding+door+patch+panels&view=detail&mid=9CB0339129A70DC0EF029CB0339129A70DC0EF02&FORM=VIRE

[munch]

Here’s a YouTube video to patch panel your door! You can either TIG or MIG your panels! A few other tips you can never have the metal to clean and even wipe down with a clean rag before welding! Also it might be a good idea to practice on some scrap metal similar to what you would be welding plus that will allow you to get the heat settings correct!
RoarsRods

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+welding+door+patch+panels&view=detail&mid=9CB0339129A70DC0EF029CB0339129A70DC0EF02&FORM=VIRE

Thanks, that is great information...