Wrecked, Needing to replacing door

[krashking82]

We just wrecked our 99 Lesabre yesterday. It has body damage and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how much trouble it is to replace the doors on a a car like this. I dont like suprises when I'm working on a vehicle and I dont like to go through alot of trouble. So before I start I'd like to get an idea on what I'm getting into and make sure it's not going to be too much trouble or if I should just have the shop take care of it. I have alot of patience and time so that's not an issue. I know the bolts come off and the wiring and the vent hose. Anything else?

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

I just finished replacing the door + fender on my 93 Riv. My problem was that the accident had bent the doorpost and I cound not un-bend the post with my primitive equipment. I took it to a bodyshop that did the job. They also repainted the door. They did a great job, cost of their work was $1000 + and I did the disassembly/reassembly (they attached the door)!! The replacement junkyard door (wrong color) was $150, replacement fender, right color, was $75. In retrospect, I should have tried harder to straighten the doorpost; there was another approach that I did not try.

If you have only a door problem, and can get a replacement, it does take some time and care to take things apart and replace them. Next time I might consider Maaco for the repaint (less $$). I would prepare everything (take trim off, clean things up and make it easy for them) and do my own reassembly.

For removing the door electrics, use a lot of care in undoing them and reassembling. I took a lot of pictures; they were a help in rerouting wires and the attaching clips etc.

There is a website where you can locate carparts; it lists wrecking yards all over the country. It is www.car-part.com. But maybe you already have a source for a good replacement door.

Best wishes on your efforts,
Jack C.

[krashking82]

Thank you so much for your help. I think I decided i'm going to let the shop doing pay out the deductible and then let the Insurance pay the rest. It's more damage than I thoughts. In the Thousands. The pain from the wrecks starting to set in so until I'm in better shape I dont think I'm going to get into anything too serious. I appreciate all your help and the link. That'll help for the other stuff too. I'm trying to figure out a way to get a trunk release switch put in.