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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: MY1978 on June 27, 2021, 06:29:05 pm

Title: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: MY1978 on June 27, 2021, 06:29:05 pm

 Hello all.  I have noticed that the metal on the door at the door handle small end (opposite of the push button) flexes a little.  It doesn't happen on the passenger side.  I will attribute this to the fact that due to that door being used more (as in by me!   ;D)  and the pulling on it over 43 years is has caused the issue.  Is there some way to support this?

Thanks

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: Captkaos on June 27, 2021, 09:55:42 pm

There is a reinforment plate behind the door handle, it is detached?

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: fitz on June 30, 2021, 04:03:01 am

Is the drivers side door an aftermarket replacement?

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: MY1978 on June 30, 2021, 07:11:17 am

Not an aftermarket door - is original door with reinforced plate.

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: Mike81K10 on June 30, 2021, 08:20:07 pm

You have to take your door panel off and get a look inside your door to inspect it. Only way to find out what is going on.

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: MY1978 on June 30, 2021, 09:17:06 pm

Already done that.  Door panels are off and awaiting new panels.

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: Captkaos on July 01, 2021, 07:05:45 pm

So is that loose in any way?  Depending on your definition these trucks were not designed to be perfect. and there is flex in that panel area.

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: Mike81K10 on July 01, 2021, 07:13:40 pm

Looks OK! Check for any damage and then your could cut a 12 or 16 gauge piece of sheet metal about 2" 4", drill a hole for the door handle screw(s) and reinforce the door panel if you cannot find anything wrong. Might help!

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: MY1978 on July 02, 2021, 06:49:48 am

Quote from: Captkaos on July 01, 2021, 07:05:45 pm

So is that loose in any way?  Depending on your definition these trucks were not designed to be perfect. and there is flex in that panel area.

The plate is not loose and the bolt is definitely tight.  The outer skin, at that bolt, is where the flexing is happening.  This has happened over time.  Passenger side does not flex.  I am going to try putting a large fender washer behind bolt to see if that helps stiffen things up.

Title: Re: Flexing of metal at door handle
Post by: MY1978 on July 02, 2021, 01:54:45 pm

Okay.  I fixed it.  From what I can figure out, the "reinforcing place" is not flat against the outer skin thus causing some flexing.  Using a large fender washer did not help.  So...........I took a 4" mending plate and pushed it long ways up under the lower lip of the plate and voila!!!!  No more flex.  Since the plate is not removable, I used a generous amount of some Gorilla glue along the top edge towards the outer skin.  Once that is cured, I can go back and apply some epoxy along the bottom edge so it doesn't fall out.   HEY!!!!  What ever works!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D