Posted this up in paint/body but didnt get any bites. I have a 91 CRX with some passenger door damage, and I was wondering how difficult it is to replace just the door skin. I have a complete door off a 88, door is different (no seat belt provisions) but door skin is a match. Any tips would be great.

Thanks in advance

Kirk R

 

Yes I just carefully removed a 91 skin and put it on a 88 door no problems, same identical skin.

I even got pics if you want proof.

I also made a thread about how the skins are the same including the impact beams which people claim are different.

If you need any tips or tricks on how to just ask, I used to do body work professionally and still on the side.

 

How did you go about that? Sound neat.

 

i'm in for it too. i re-upholstered my accord door panels, or tried to, they came out alright...

 

From what I have seen (never attempted it) to remove the skin you take a grinder around the edges of the door until it breaks through.
On new skins they have a little extra metal around the edges that gets folded over and then welded on.
How do you weld the used and removed panel to the door?
Is it just a long process of welding the seam at the edge?


They aren't talking about panels - they are talking about the metal on the outside of the door (the skin).

 

Yes usually that is how you do it.

The skin is only spot welded in a few spots other then that is just a sealer all around the skin holding it and protecting it at the seam.

I drilled out the few spot welds.
Wire wheeled the exposed sealer around skin on the inside door jamb.
Took a trim tool and a scraper to slowly work the folded edge up.(anything slim and small would work)
Carefully pulled skin off.
Few minutes of dolly and hammering around the now new door skin lip to create a perfect 90 degree shape all around with the edge I just peeled up.
Apply sealant to new door shell edge.
Slide skin on and in exact location needed.
Clamp skin all the way around.
Remove a few clams on one side, start hammer and dolling extra lip back around the shell lip, when done put clamps back on, and keep going down the line in this order.
Let clams sit as long as the sealer you have used suggests.
Reinstall door.
Drink beer.
Be happy.

 

Thanks kid-honda. Would you say this is worth the effort vs picking up a replacement door? I figured I have the good skin, its payed for, and I cant install the 88 door on the 91 so it seems worth it to me, but being in the auto body industry its something you do in your sleep. What would you rate it on a level of difficulty?

And thanks for all the help!

Kirk R

 

actually it doesn't seem that hard, just requires patience imo. good to know info! no reason to drive around w a smashed up door for absolutely ever just cuz you're waiting for a perfect door of the year you need... lol

 

Ill do it for a hundo and you pay for gas.... I have all my own tools if you have a compressor. I can have it done in a couple hours. I do this on the daily. ha i did two today.

 

how much are new crx door skins?