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Topic: 1996 cargo door fell off (Read 2319 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #20 –
I had this problem several years ago with a larger cargo door.  The problem is that the gas struts put a lot of pressure on the door at the corner rivets causing cracks at the rivet or a piece of the door to break away.  After that happens more cracks and broken pieces appear at the next rivets.  I didn't wait for the door to fall off, I removed it and repaired the cracked places with cloth and resin.  Had to re-gel coat some of it.  Not an easy job.  I had a sheet metal company bend a piece of 1 3/8" wide long thin (3/64" but probably has a gauge #) stainless steel not quite to a 90 degree angle (83 degrees) and used that as a backing for small screws and nuts rather than rivets and to provide added support.    It looks like a piece of angle although the bend down the middle of the strip is a bit rounded rather than sharp. The bent metal adds a lot of strength to the door.

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #21 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
  I had a sheet metal company bend a piece of 1 3/8" wide long thin (3/64" but probably has a gauge #) stainless steel not quite to a 90 degree angle (83 degrees) and used that as a backing for small screws and nuts rather than rivets and to provide added support.   

Did you fiberglass your stainless steel into the door itself?

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #22 –
No, i uses jb marine weld kit. Letting it set for 24 hours.

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #23 –
Wanted to update and thank you all.
I used 2 stainless straps, one between hinge and fiberglass,  and another outside underneath the 13 nylocks.  Yes, the door is 1/8" inch lower now.
The left latch grabs, but right wont for now.
As you know ,there is in and out latch pin slide adjustment,  but NOT up and down.

As most projects,  it was more than I thought.
Lol .So the wet bay door is useable.  I swapped in old weak strut shocks, which needs a prop,  But just being cautious. 

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #24 –
Congratulations!

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #25 –
Methinks a cobalt drill bit or dremel could make a vertical slot to lower strike post. Gotta wait for previous drilling pains to subside.  Lol

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Saltfevr –
Methinks a cobalt drill bit or dremel could make a vertical slot to lower strike post. Gotta wait for previous drilling pains to subside.  Lol
Drills are cylindrical, there is no cutting relief on the spiral part.

Re: 1996 cargo door fell off

Reply #27 –
Very true toolmaker,  thank you