Club 80-90 Forums

I've had no luck sourcing a replacement sliding door for my van so I am now looking at repairing the one I have. I would need both inner and outer lower repair panels. Anyone done this before and any tips. Is it really feasible? What about the strength required for the bottom "roller bracket"?
All tips and advice welcome. (Apart from : Don't do it!!!)
Thanks

Hey! have a go at repairing mate, a common sense approach to the repair is all you need.
Oh and these off Fleabay, (not mine). Item No 130311953044
Good luck

Hi mate its very feasable ! you need to have the outer panel ( repair section ) first position this on the door ( remove door ! ) mark a line following the repair section then allow approx 1" (25mm) ish below the line you have drawn ok ! from that line grind off the edge right around carefully so you can peel off the old panel ! ( but before the old stuff will come off you will need to cut through the line you have marked with the repair section across the door ! ) you have to do it this way because you cannot remove the inner section first once the outer part is removed you can then start to remove the inner section its the same way offer up inner section mark off and cut old stuff out but again allow 1" ( 25 mm) ish to refit repair sections to , what i do then is not weld anything but clamp /self tappers/ etc the inner section then offer the outer section to mate together and mate sure it all fits together ! as you are doing it you will see how it all fits ! ( tip take measurements etc of the door that way you can check your repair sections ) just go for it you dont have much to loose !

paulweld: Great advice, thanks. Probably doing it as you suggest! Just a little concerned over the strength on the roller bracket support within the door!

dont think you have anything to worry about as there should be a strengthing piece inside the door that the bottom bracket fits to ,you may have drill out some spot welds etc when peeling old inner skin this should reveal strenghing piece ! when you fit the inner section you can drill some holes in line with the strenghing piece and plug weld which will tie it all up together ! just take your time and you will be fine

Watch this space! If I get a decent slider I may still repair this one and keep as a spare. Think I am going to go direct to supplier for panels 'cos it ain't much cheaper getting them off ebay. In fact I have been quoted a really good price fron local VW specialist so I should be OK to go there as well. All depends on quality and how well they fit I suppose.
Thanks for advice.