Shaved doors...

Last November, I bought a 2001 Ranger XLT that the previous owner had done some fooling around with. Some of the work done involved removing the exterior door handles, fairing the openings in with bodyfiller, and installing a solenoid switch to allow electric door opening of the driver's door. The passenger door does not have a solenoid and can be opened only from the inside. I bought the truck because it was what I was looking for, the price was right, and I thought I might be able to live with the doors...

During the winter, cold temperatures had a negative effect on the bodywork, and the filler in both door openings has developed cracks. As well, the whole system has proven to be a bit of a pain and I'd love to have the doors returned to their original condition. The driver's door opened pretty reliably during the winter, but now that the weather is warm things aren't working all that great. On a sunny day when the door is nice and toasty warm -- and has expanded a little in the opening-- it can take four or five tries to get the sucker open.

Does anyone out there know anything about these installations? When work like this is done, are the internal workings of the doors left in place? How much modification might have been required to install the solenoid? I'm wondering if I can go to a bodyshop, have the door recesses returned to their original condition and have conventional door handles re-installed or whether I'm going to be stuck with having to replace the doors.

Thanks, and regards;

VerneB

While I do not know a whole lot about the solenoids, I'm pretty sure they're not all that hard to install. The fact that the filler cracked and the solenoids are being problematic is a sign to me of crappy work. The kid probably did it himself I'd imagine or had a shop that doesn't know what they were doing. I recommend talking to a custom truck shop in your area that is very credible for their work and get an estimate from them. Where do you live, I may have heard of a shop in your area that can do good work?

much agreed...
there shouldn't be much filler. there should be a steel filler panel welded into the opening.

also... does the door have a "popper" that pushes the door open when you hit the solenoid?

if it doesn't, it's a nice thing to have.

35 lb. poppers will push out even the heaviest doors.

they're basically small spring loaded pins that push out...

but it does sound like crappy work.