Door keeper repair: bolt-in or weld support plate?

[oakback]

The door keeper binds and rips from the metal of the door. A backplate is needed to strengthen the area for the new door keeper.

I've seen repairs where the door is completely disassembled and angle iron is welded inside. But I've also seen some where they simply bolt a plate to the door; 2 bolts for the keeper and 2 more bolts (one above and one below) to fix the plate to the door.

Are both methods valid? The bolt-in option would be much easier and utilize my tools and skills, whereas welding would mean my vehicle would be doorless for several days to get it to a welder.

 

[SteveH]

I would fabricate a solid plate and bolt it in. You're not doing a concours restoration here. You can always resort to a weld-in solution later, if warranted. Be sure to lube up the keeper so that you don't unduly stress your repair area.

 

[whitec13]

If I’m not mistaken, there is a vendor on here that makes a plate for that. There was a recent thread as well.

 

[kevgentile]

If not able to cut, weld, and refinish and do a proper diy I'd keep the repair as simple and low cost as possible and keep an eye out for a complete replacement door. Really depends on what end result you desire.

 

[oakback]

Really depends on what end result you desire.

A functional door. If a bolted-in plate will be strong enough, I'll go with that.

If I’m not mistaken, there is a vendor on here that makes a plate for that. There was a recent thread as well.

I saw that, but it looked to me like a reinforcement plate for doors that haven't broken yet. But I may have misinterpreted it.