Exterior refrigerator access door

[Rsmied]

Can anybody tell me what the lip of the refrigerator access door is made out of? After 40 years mine is showing some serious wear, but mostly tear. Half of the lip isn't there and it's a huge pain to put the door back on. I took it to a local welder today but he is hesitant until knowing exactly what to replace it with. The rest of the door is in good condition.

[TG Twinkie]

If you are referring to the "J" hinge. You are correct in stating it is hard to put back.
There are 2 pop rivets in the upper part of the hinge. You must be centered between them and have the door at greater than a 90 degree angle the get it lined up to where the door will drop down easily.
I believe replacement hinge material is available at VTS.
It looks like the hinge is fastened with steel rivets. Rust noted. Aluminum rivets should be used.


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[Glenritas]

I replaced that J hinge on our Tradewind with an aluminum piano hinge and while I was at it I flipped the door and so the hinge is at the bottom and the latch at the top and I also had 16 4" hot rod louvers punched in the door.

I also flipped the other compartment doors. Makes access so much easier.

[SpiritAtBay]

Every time I have to open this hatch I dread putting it back on. Every time I'm successful getting it closed, I think, 'now why was that so hard?" because when the stars align, it is very easy.

Well, this last time, I have been unable to get the stars to align. The door has been held on with PACKING TAPE (for crying out loud!) for weeks now. Every once in a while, when I am feeling particularly aligned with the stars, i go out and try my hand at getting the thing on there correctly. So far, no luck.

The J hinge seems to be in ok shape. it is a little malformed at one end from previous attempts... but not enough to prevent it from seating correctly, i don't think.

Help please! any tips?

thanks,
gina