TheSamba.com :: View topic - 73 Super Beetle Driver Door, hinge problem, Need Advise

Sun Aug 24, 2003 2:24 pm

Does any one know how to fix a broke hinge, on the driver door bottom hinge? I believe due to rust, it has come apart, and the door will not close. Can I cut the top layer off, and then just weld back in the original hinge? Or should I order a new hinge? Everyone is telling me first, to take the door off. Just pop the door pins out, Cut the metal that is over the hinge, inspect the metal, weld it in the same place, if it can be re-weld back to the metal. If the metal is bad, then what do I do? If you have done this before, I really would appreciate, your advise on how to do it? If you know of a shop that would do it for a reasonable price, please let me know. This is a great car, if I could get the driver door fix. Any shade tree mechanics out there that could help me. Special note, will trade a 1985 Cadillac Sedan Deville, for body work and a paint job on this Super Beetle, including door repair. Any takers out there? The Cad is worth between $1,200- $1,500. Thanks, for taking the time to read this long, How me fix the door problem. Keep on Bugging!!!

Mon Sep 01, 2003 1:18 pm

I would try welding if that doesn't work then order a new one

Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:57 pm

Chris,

Thanks, for the reply. Will try welding it up. After talking with a few people found out it is not the hinge, but where the hinge attached to the A-pillar. This is the area where the screws are attached to the hinge, and into the A-Pillar, it came loose. The hinge on the door is ok. Thanks, for the help. Any other suggestions on this problem. Would love to hear from you.

Jim Kelly
73 Super Beetle

Mon Sep 01, 2003 7:12 pm

Yeah, that's where they rust.
Usually, if it is rusted bad enough for the hinge to rot out, you have MUCH bigger problems lower down along the heater channels, ETC, ETC.
Good luck!