Door Hinge Removal

[Andrew68c10]

I was about to remove the door hinges from the cab of my truck, and I noticed that the plate that they bolt to was about to fall down inside the support. I stopped it in time. It doesn't look like you can get that back once it falls. Is that supposed to happen?

[JimKshortstep4x4]

There should be a loosely fitting cage made out of sheet metal clips surrounding the metal plate which allows movement but traps the plate from falling. I guess the question would be how much of the cage is left?

The only way to get at the cage is through the front post and if it is still solid then I would try this. With the door removed and the hinge still in place, drill two holes spaced underneath the plate,
approx. 1 " apart. If you drill with a 3/8" drill then this will give you enough space to insert two tabs bent at 90 degrees and weld into place. The trick is to locate the tabs so that they support the plate but give it movement. If you can't find the edge
any other way, then you can use a 1/16" bit to drill small holes until you can establish the edge of the tapped plate.

It can be tricky but you should be able to do it.

Good luck!

Jim