'76 FJ40 Door Pillar damage - fix or fill?

[Vae Victus]

I am finishing the rear quarter panel installation on the drivers side, and noted a 1/4" gap between the new panel and the door pillar. Uncovered some bondo to discover prior damage.

Should I just allow painter to fill the damage or go through and replace that door pillar? Prior to starting this long frame off project, I noted how difficult it was to close the driver door. Now I know why.

I've already replaced the rocker on that side.

I'm not finding door pillars online.... Seem to be unobtanium. The whole thing from the top to top of the new the rocker below is warped.
Suggestions?

 

[FJ404345]

As you have gotten this far I would replace it

 

[Vae Victus]

I guess I could replace this which is the biggest offender

 

[65swb45]

Because it is a compound angle in a confined space, with no rust issues, it is structurally stable. IOW, you COULD fill it.

I had a structurally stable dent in the top corner of the hardtop on my 45 where a tree fell on it. I cut it out, straightened it, and welded it back in...20 years ago.

When I look at that corner of the truck I often smile...because I know I did it right.

 

[Vae Victus]

Because it is a compound angle in a confined space, with no rust issues, it is structurally stable. IOW, you COULD fill it.

I had a structurally stable dent in the top corner of the hardtop on my 45 where a tree fell on it. I cut it out, straightened it, and welded it back in...20 years ago.

When I look at that corner of the truck I often smile...because I know I did it right.

Ooohh, didn't think of that. Brilliant and simple!!!!!!!! That made my day! Thanks Mark!

 

[65swb45]

Ooohh, didn't think of that. Brilliant and simple!!!!!!!! That made my day! Thanks Mark!

That’s what the like button is for.

 

[MOTOV8R]

If you wanted to fix any of it, I would just do the flat part that is visible with the door shut. The smaller of your long rectangles with the traiangle part at the bottom.

 

[Vae Victus]

I can't believe I never followed up on this. Well, 4 years later, it's cut out, flattened, rewelded, filled by a pro painter, and now painted. I'm sure there's photos but I'm not going looking for them. There was some beating involved to get that major gap moved back into alignment.