Front door sag

[SanDiegoXJ]

Ok, so here's the deal...when I bought my Jeep, I didn't bother to look at the door hinges...it turns out that the top hinges had been very sloppily welded, probably as a repair method. I've read that the Cherokees had poor support on the hinge and there was a factory repair for them...apparently the previous owner wanted to save a few dollars and took it to Mexico....the guy that did the job, did a CRAPPY job! The welds look like bubble gum. Regardless, the doors opened and closed.

Now I'm having issues closing the door and realized it's beginning to sag...it looks like the bottom hinge is beginning to tear off now. So my question is, is this too difficult to fix? And is there someplace fairly local to San Diego I can take it to repair the problem? My fear is that I'll take it into a shop only to be charged $500 for a job that, what seems to me to be quite simple to repair...of course, I don't weld and have never tried to align doors.

Anywho, I know this is somewhat of a tech question, but I put it here because I need a local shop to fix it since I don't have the skills or place to work on it myself.

I would be willing to drive as far as OC if it can be repaired in a somewhat timely manner....like over a weekend.

I can try and get some photos up soon, but it looks like I left the data cable for the camera at work. =(

 

[homebrew]

Stop cryin and cut them SOB's off already

 

[WebDog]

I have welded up many door hinges, but that is a long drive. I am sure someone in SD has the skill to weld a door up properly.

 

[tone]

On mine my driver side door swings loosely and the pass side door you actually have to put muscle into it to shut it. Is your problem on both sides like mine?

 

[SanDiegoXJ]

No, they're both getting the same way, but the driver's side is worse. I can see where the back is 1/8 to 1/4 inch to low in the rear as it hits the locking pin (or whatever the doohickey is the door latch closes on).

I tried removing the top spacer to force it to lift up but didn't realize you have to align the hinge from left to right as well as up and down...=( Gonna try that again now.

I think ultimately tho, it just needs to have the hinges cut off, a new backing plate welded in, and have the hinges reattached.

 

[-96JeepSpeed-]

LOL my drivers doo fell off twice. My hinges on the body cracked off leaving 2 big holes where they used to be, I just plated it with 1/8 steel and just welded the hinges to that after cleaning with up, worked great.

 

[jumpnjeep]

LOL my drivers doo fell off twice. My hinges on the body cracked off leaving 2 big holes where they used to be, I just plated it with 1/8 steel and just welded the hinges to that after cleaning with up, worked great.

I did the same on my passenger upper hinge. works just fine. Just prep the hinge and chassis seperately. then weld the backing plate to the chassis and with the door closed swing the hinge out to meet the chassis and stitch it on.
Sounds waaay more complex than it is.

 

[-96JeepSpeed-]

And add some rosetts for added support.

 

[Four2score]

Ok, so here's the deal... I'm having issues closing the door and realized it's beginning to sag...it looks like the bottom hinge is beginning to tear off now. (

Definately would like to see some pics of that.

 

[SanDiegoXJ]

OK here's the photos since some seemed interested:

Beautiful welds on upper hinge...

And the lower hinge beginning to separate:

 

[tone]

Must have been TIG welded

 

[scottmcneal]

I'm thinking door less...Just thinking..
I have to do the wifes one of these days, i was going to go 1/8" steel flat plate..I hear this is the best thing to do..

 

[Four2score]

Holy COW! Thats crazy!

I'd pop the door off, hammer back in, check it, then arc it back up. Should be able to keep it straight.

Thanks for posting the pics.

 

[WebDog]

On mine I got them back into place with high lift / hammer, and then used some scrap metal and welded the gap vertically and then it is secured much better the the frame.