Hey guys, I am looking for any info about door pillar replacement for my Caprice wagon.Is it going to affect the structural integrity of the car? Is there info about what is involved? Also, could this be done at a regular bodyshop, or a restoration place? Thanks!
It can be done, but it is a big job, and yes, if not done correctly it will affect the structural integrity of the car. To do it just right, you need to drill out all the spot welds holing the old one and the donor ones in the cars, and weld the new one in the way it was done at the factory. Any good body shop or restorer should be able to do the job, but it won't come cheap
If, in fact your rocker is rusty, you might get 1-2 ft. of rocker, either or both ways, to keep the integrity solid. If ordered 'recycled' they're gonna cut it with a firesaw @ the rocker anyway - get the whole rocker, front to rear, weld-in accordingly.
Not a job for the amateur........ If done correctly, there's nothing about the repair that would compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Shop has to take accurate measurements of the door opening (using other 'good' side); make inserts for the windsheld pillar and rockers; do complete welding of the splices; finish the welds; restore corrosion protection, etc........
