Flexing of metal at door handle

[MY1978]

 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!   )  and the pulling on it over 43 years is has caused the issue.  Is there some way to support this?

Thanks

[Captkaos]

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

[fitz]

Is the drivers side door an aftermarket replacement?

[MY1978]

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

[Mike81K10]

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.

[MY1978]

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

[Captkaos]

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.

[Mike81K10]

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!

[MY1978]

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.

[MY1978]

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!!!!!!!!