E350 Cracks in front door from hinge.

[Bikersmurf]

‘97 E350.

The sheet metal where the upper drivers door hinge attaches to the door has started to twist and over extend. Apparently it’s not an uncommon for the doors to crack... but how to fix.

The door is wrapped...as is the Ambo, so replacing the door isn’t an option.

Thoughts?

I’m tempted to weld the inner door, but has anyone else fixed this problem? Are there repair hinges?

 

[Bikersmurf]

I had seen the hinge was twisting... and then the wind caught the door and ripped it out of my hand. I had to use a flat bar to straighten the hinge enough to open and close the door. Visually it’s straight again... but how to keep it that way?

 

[eporter]

Yikes. I’ve heard from EMS people that the door hinges failing are one of those things that just happens with time on the E350s when they’re used a lot in tough conditions. Good luck!

 

[Bikersmurf]

Fortunately the A pillar is still solid. The hinges look like they had been replaced fairly recently replaced... but the door is likely 23 years old... With 17K+ hours on the rig.

 

[iggi]

yikes, you don't have limiting straps on the doors?

 

[Abitibi]

yikes, you don't have limiting straps on the doors?

X2

All the ones I've seen have them...

Sent from my SM-G973W using Tapatalk

 

[Bikersmurf]

Pic of how they work?

mine just have stock hinges. This makes for a ton of stress on a 1.25” wide hinge when a 3’ wide door swings open.

 

[iggi]

Let me know if you need more.
Seems like those brackets should be easy to find and install.

My doors and hinges would be seriously messed up without the restraining straps.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Fix my ambulance has ones made with footman loops.
It looks like 2” webbing... is that the case?

 

[WVI]

Thanks for sharing those pics! I may have to make a couple of those.

 

[iggi]

Fix my ambulance has ones made with footman loops.
It looks like 2” webbing... is that the case?

Pretty sure they are 2 inch but didn't measure them.
Found this: http://www.fixmyambulance.com/product-p/door-strap-kit.htm

 

[Bikersmurf]

Pretty sure they are 2 inch but didn't measure them.
Found this: http://www.fixmyambulance.com/product-p/door-strap-kit.htm

$42 for the pair is ok... it's the $40 shipping that's a deal killer.

 

[WVI]

I may try a couple of small eye bolts and a small length of braided cable/wire rope.

 

[iggi]

I bet Jeep ones would work.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Thanks for sharing those pics! I may have to make a couple of those.

Spare? Pics?

Here’s what the problem looks like... turn away if you’ve got a weak stomach.



One way or another I’ll add limiting straps to help protect the door. Aside from that... I’ll ask a good friend, Mr. Miller, to help fix the cracks. I’ve got all sorts of seatbelt webbing to nak the straps, add a couple footman loops x2, and I’ll have check straps. However, if Mr Miller can’t fix the cracks, no one can.