Removal of front drv quarter panel in JLX

ToddinTO · 08-13-2008, 08:26 PM

Hi all,

I have a 93 Suzuki JLX 4dr, over 200K and still going strong.

I noticed that the drivers door was sticking, and not closing properly. I thought that the hinges may be loose or the hinge pins warn. Upon closer inspection I noticed the the point on the body where the top hinge is bolted is very rusted and the top bolt is not even attached to anything anymore!

I have had it rustproofed and touched up every year at ziebart since it was purchased, which has allowed the body to stay in great shape, so I was sad to see this bad section.

Since the rest of the area seems to be in OK shape I intend on removing the door, and attaching a new piece of metal behind the hinge (and body), tapping some new holes and remount the hinge.

I have looked over several service manuals, none seem to cover how I can gain access to the back of this hinge to attach a supporting plate.

My guess is that I have to remove the front quarter panel in order to repair the cancer, is that correct, any other recommendations?

Thanks

Todd

TheZuke! · 08-14-2008, 12:01 AM

Todd,

I don't have an answer for you,
but the Tracker at the local junkyard (auto recycler)
has the driver door missing and the attachment points
for the hinges removed as well.
(it looks like the junkyard employee used a sawzall to
remove them, cutting through the dash haphazardly).

So....
maybe door jamb failure like yours is why the
Tracker in the junkyard became an organ donor?

So...
maybe you'll need more than a supporting plate to
fix yours?

Just speculating...

TheZuke!
1994 JX 4x4 16v 4-door 5-speed AC