Expert: Mike Potter - 5/12/2008

Question
I have a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee that the metal around the doorlatch is broken out around the lower part of the latch can i patch it with a peace of sheet metal or should i just replace the whole door.

Answer
I have repaired several with a patch, but it takes some doing. You have to bend and mold the steel to the exact shape of the door around the latch area and fit it in  the exact position before welding. If you have some sheet metal skills and the tools, you might be able to do this. It might be easier and cheaper to find a good used door the same color. Try www.car-part.com or go to body shop for a free estimate. I usually charge two to three hundred dollars for this type of repair.