‘65 overlander, any hope for entry door

[valontjej]

Can this door be re-welded? Never looked closely when I bought it and now since I've been learning so much about Airstreams I learned the problems in trying to fix entry doors, taking it off, putting it back on e.tc. And now I need a very expensive door-lock that started around 1965 and up!. Am I in for a large hole in my pocket?. Any help would be great. I am almost ready for the bad news. . The PO held together the crack, it can be seen on the black part, it is cracked on both sides, same place. And of course totally of kilter. A newbie here and yes it is a labour of love and an incredible learning experience but do need some words of advice from the best. All you Airstreamer buffs. Thank you thank you Monica

[perryg114]

A good TIG welder can fix the crack but it looks like the sheet metal has some issues as well.

Perry

[Aerowood]

Welcome to the Forums

You have more then one problem here in my eyes. It looks like you have some sheetmetal adventures coming your way. Trying to find a replacement door is going to be difficult. The good news is, is that it is repairable if you chose to go on that adventure. Here's what I see besides the cracked frame which can be either welded or repair doublers riveted internally. The hinge needs to be checked of elongation of the hinge pin holes. These can be bushed by a competent machine shop. Lastly it looks like the exterior skin is to warped/damaged to reuse but it can be used as a template for a new one. Know here's one other issue, the door should be repaired with the trailer present in order to check the contours fits and clearances during the repair process. The sequence should be this, 1) remove door and hinge, 2) deskin door interior and exterior, 3) repair hinge, 4) reinstall repaired door hinge and door frame, 5) restore door countour and repair cracks, 6) fit exterior door skin with the frame attached to the trailer, this will help maintaine the correct contour, 7) rivet exterior door skin on, 8) fit interior door skin. Riveting on the interior door skin will lock the contour in place and make the door ridged again.

This is not for the light hearted but it can be done as I have already done this. check out my thread below starting with post number 231.


http://www.airforums.com/forums/f416...nte-26902.html

[valontjej]

Thank you so much for the infos albeit more than I can do. But hey, my son is a welder and sculpturer . He has metals and tools galore in his shop. And of course I have inherited the rear end bumper leak. Oj Oj I live in Seattle and every one knows what that means..... There was some excellent threads regarding rear leaks that I will use or rather my son if I can lure him into the Airstream world.I had to remove the broken piece and will retrofit and seal new cover.
I feel like I know so many of you already after having read tons of threads but now I actually have to go out and do it! A couple of more pics I was actually wondering about the hinge too . So that is what needs to be done,eh. I am on it! thanks again