Need drivers door patch panel

[fusion]

My 1976 280z driver's door has a unpullable dent at the top right where where the mirror bolts to it.  It's in an extremely tight location and I don't think I can pound it out.  Wondering if anyone has a rusty door that they could cut out a patch panel out of.  I *think* any year 240-280 should work but not 100% sure.

Edited October 22, 2021 by fusion

[jhm]

Just an FYI, depending on how big a patch panel you intend to use...the early year doors have the hole for the door lock knob in a different location than the later year cars.  Not a big deal; nothing that can’t be worked around.  Just wanted to let you know so you aren’t surprised.

[AydinZ71]

Have you performed any metal work yourself? That little area doesn’t look to bad. I bet you could fabricate a replacement with a sheet of 20-gauge steel, hammer+dolly, and MIG welder. It won’t be perfect, but even a replacement section from another car won’t be. You will still need a small amount of filler or glaze prior to paint. Very few people can perform a flawless steel patch in a contour without any filler of any sort (even if just primer). Try hammering out a little piece yourself in a bench and see how she looks! 

[fusion]

On 11/8/2021 at 8:29 PM, jhm said:

Just an FYI, depending on how big a patch panel you intend to use...the early year doors have the hole for the door lock knob in a different location than the later year cars.  Not a big deal; nothing that can’t be worked around.  Just wanted to let you know so you aren’t surprised.

Thanks man, good info.

[fusion]

On 11/8/2021 at 11:31 PM, AydinZ71 said:

Have you performed any metal work yourself? That little area doesn’t look to bad. I bet you could fabricate a replacement with a sheet of 20-gauge steel, hammer+dolly, and MIG welder. It won’t be perfect, but even a replacement section from another car won’t be. You will still need a small amount of filler or glaze prior to paint. Very few people can perform a flawless steel patch in a contour without any filler of any sort (even if just primer). Try hammering out a little piece yourself in a bench and see how she looks! 

I have done patch panels before.  I could probably make it but not worth the time to me when I can just buy a panel that's already in the perfect shape.  (I did already get a patch and welded it in)

Also, not sure why anyone would attempt to make a patch without using any filler unless you're working on a DeLorean.

Edited November 11, 2021 by fusion

[AydinZ71]

@fusion nice! Looks good.

 

so there is an alarming trend whereby folks “freak out” over using filler. Probably because there are some hack jobs out there with 1” deep spots. I think it’s impractical to attempt a steel repair without SOME kind of filler. Sounds like you are practical guy, and we’re on the same page. 

[fusion]

1 minute ago, AydinZ71 said:

@fusion nice! Looks good.

 

so there is an alarming trend whereby folks “freak out” over using filler. Probably because there are some hack jobs out there with 1” deep spots. I think it’s impractical to attempt a steel repair without SOME kind of filler. Sounds like you are practical guy, and we’re on the same page.

Thanks man.  Definitely.  

[Willflow]

I have a similar problem on my car along with some rust. If I have to I will cut it out, fix it and reinstall it. Or at least try but I'm no body man.