Time to replace the doors....

[thedeliverator]

Well, now both the driver's door and passenger side are dented pretty well, with the paint chipping off in places.

I think I've settled on getting new door shells from LMC Truck, instead of trying to pound/pull out the dents.

At the same time, I'm going to replace the hinges on the driver's door, the top has a good 1/4-3/8" of play in it, probably why the door sags to the rear and scrapes the edge in two places.

Of course, if I'm doing all that, might as well take the opportunity to get some new rubber seals on the windows (they leak), and I was going to change the color to tan anyway... it never ends.

 

[hippiedude]

Just make sure you check the cab mounts & the door post !!! Make sure everything is good and solid so the door hang square.........New doors make a Big differance....

 

[Armada]

If it were me, I would repair the doors you have on the truck if they are just dented. They don't look to be rusty from what I can see. Any replacement steel you get is not going to be as good as the original, unless you get OEM. The foreign made panels are lighter gauge steel and you will have a tough time lining them up, latches, mounting points, body lines etc..

 

[hippiedude]

Amen to that!!!!!

 

[JB]

You may be able to replace the bushings if they are the problem. (once the dents get pounded out) I have an LMC left door on my 84 M1009 & it fits OK but it still drags a little.

 

[chevycrew]

Your best bet would probably be a set of wrecking yard doors. They will be the thick metal (if original) and will fit right the first time.

 

[BKinzey]

X2 on the used doors. They are readily available and cheap. Keep an eye on craigslist, ebay, these forums, etc. I paid $50 for two doors. Less $$$ and work than new skins.

 

[thedeliverator]

Thanks all, based on your comments and a few experiences I've read, I'm going to keep these doors - they aren't showing any rust, just dents. If I can't get them straight enough (not interested in perfect), I'll make a trip to the junkyards.

 

[Armada]

You're doing the right thing by keeping them. A good bodyman can make them look new again reasonably cheap, and a set of hinge bushings will make them operate like new also.

 

[acetomatoco]

Remember if they look too good they will not be authentic military... take a look at some of the stuff still being used to get my gist....