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Just picked up a new 03 Limited 4wd and I'm excited to get wrenching on it. My first challenge is the driver's side door, which sustained some sort of side impact leaving a crumpled lower area:
Not a huge problem to resolve if I take a BFH to it.
The real problem is the gap at the top of the door when I close it; lots of wind and road noise going down the road:
Approaching this scientifically, I took a string from the top corner to the bottom corner of the door. I then took a measurement to the string from 6 inches below the top. My hope was so see if it had bowed out during impact:
Compared to the normal passenger side:
The measurements are pretty close. Before I wedge a 2x4 into the frame and try to push the window frame back a few mm, I wanted to get an outside opinion. Note that the rest of the door is flush; no protruding or recessed...it's just the top corner of the door. Anyone had any experience with this, or can confirm my logic?
The top window frame area looks like the type of damage when someone pries it open to pop the lock. You could try bending it back into place simply by putting a 2x4 in the jamb and shoving the frame inward. All you need is decent pressure on the door seal to keep rain out. Window down for this.
The bottom rocker panel I'd not worrry about unless the door seal is not sealing there either. But what can you do short of major reconstructive work? Drilling and pulling on that crease will not be easy but that's the way, short of cutting and sectioning a piece from another truck. Well, fiberglass could be stronger than bondo if you want to build it out. yikes.
Maybe just pad the door edge with foam insulation, the gray tube shaped kind that sticks on might help. Stay out of deep puddles!
The top window frame area looks like the type of damage when someone pries it open to pop the lock. You could try bending it back into place simply by putting a 2x4 in the jamb and shoving the frame inward. All you need is decent pressure on the door seal to keep rain out. luck
I didn't consider that it could've been pryed back. A 2x4 with some firm, steady pressure should do the trick. I'm in southern CA so rain is less of a problem than traffic noise. Thanks!
i think the door damage is a result of the hit to the rocker panel.
I couldn't open the passenger side door on one of my old trucks for 3 months after crushing the rocker (way before the days of rock sliders..
i think you should be able to bend it back slightly. you could also play with the door hinges to get it to realign.
07-14-2016, 08:35 PM
