J30 Door Replacement

[duislinguini]

My 95 J30 has some problems with the driver side front door. The power window doesn't work, the door lock is acting up, the leather portion where I rest my arm is worn out and the door itself is scratched (outside and the leather on the inside).

It seems like it would cost me a lot to get this fixed, even if I do my own work. I noticed on various wrecking yard/recyclers pages that you can buy a door for $150 to $450. Assuming I get a color match, is this a reasonable alternative? I'm fairly handy with a wrench and can handle the basics of the job. Are there gotchas (besides rekeying the lock) that would make this a bad choice?

My local dealer wants about $650 just to fix the window, so if I can kill all my problems with $150-$450 stone that would be great.

Any ideas?

[carlos_knology]

My 95 J30 has some problems with the driver side front door. The power window doesn't work, the door lock is acting up, the leather portion where I rest my arm is worn out and the door itself is scratched (outside and the leather on the inside).

<snip>

My local dealer wants about $650 just to fix the window, so if I can kill all my problems with $150-$450 stone that would be great.

Any ideas?

Check out my website for instructions on how to fix your window as well as your lock problem. It's a DIY repair.

http://www.fuzzycats.com/j30.htm

Carlos

[duislinguini]

Carlos, I have checked out your site, in fact I've had it bookmarked for months. I'm still undecided on which way I want to go with this. If I do the power window myself, the parts still could go over $300, as well as a lot of other work. I'm just trying to see if replacing the entire door is an easier and possibly cheaper way to go.

If not, I will probably tackle the window myself, using your photos. They are very well done.

[Q451990]

I'd be afraid of getting the same problems with your replacement door. With a new power window regulator (assuming the motor is OK) and whatever the bad door lock sensor or timer is, I'd go with the new parts. Getting an exact paint match and getting one in good shape (not to mention shipping costs) could be a real challenge.

Heath

[carlos_knology]

Heath makes a good point. I'd also be worried that the junkyard clowns may just cut off the wiring going into the door. The wire harnesses are inside the door.

There's wiring for the door locks, Bose speaker, power mirror, door light, etc.

I'd hope they would take their time and actually disconnect the harnesses inside the door rather than just cut the wires but that would mean that they have to take the door panel off.

Carlos