Posted by Keith in Washington [172.71.150.20] on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 19:18:30 :
In Reply to: A-pillar holes posted by Todd [172.69.33.47] on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 14:02:40 :
The holes are for weight reduction. Basically, all vehicles have them. They also recycle the metal from the punch outs. They are not really needed. However, there is a "U" shaped piece of metal that is welded between the rear door post and the floor to add strength. Keep this in mind, if this is the rear door post, as you will need access to weld that replacement piece back in.
When I did my WC53, which is the same as the power wagon, all four door posts were disconnected from the floor. This was caused by frame flex with a rigid body. The frame won. I just had to reweld the front door posts to the floor. The lower portion of both rear door posts had to be replaced due to cracking and rust. I simply bought 1/2 of a PW cab with good rear door posts and welded them in. I still had to replace parts of the "U" shaped support as it was rusted where it sits in the trough in the floor. Replacement was straight forward. One rear door post was cut out above the door latch and the other was the bottom 6". I also plug welded in a piece of sheet metal on the inside of each joint I cut and welded in the door post for additional strength.
Follow Ups: