Well, I go out to work on the El Camino, and I've run into a small problem. The nutplates on the body for the door hinges have both fallen when the bolts were removed. Obviously, the cages that hold them in have rotted out. I remember this problem from when I removed the doors a few years ago ;) , but it's reared it's ugly head again. I'm wondering what my best option would be. They are not accessible from inside the cowl vent area. The top one I was able to retrieve, and I'm thinking about putting a stud into it, and mount the hinge first. The bottom one, I'll have to do some fishing.

My question is twofold. I still am not quite ready for paint, but I wanted to get the doors and jambs ready, and the door hinges aligned and set on the door side. I'd rather not deal with these hinge plates when I go to mount the painted door. Should I paint that part of the jamb now, and mount the hinges, or would you just hold off until it is all painted. I'd rather not cut the sheetmetal under the dash and the kickpanel for access on the back side, but if I were to wait until it's all painted, I'd say that's the least risky move if I wait until it is painted. Anyone deal with this before? Thanks for any suggestions.

hi Darren ..
Yes on a full size chevy .
This was only on the top one but ASSUME our methoud would work on both.. Was able to fish it up and gusstamte the length.. with it held in plase drill a pilot hole and screwed in a long pan head screw... (2) this formed two pins the keep it from falling to the bottom and still had the ability to MOVE for adjustments.
the heads were grounf almost flush and spoted welded with a mig B-4 finial grinding...
Just another Pa' Dutchmens way to fix it :D
As for paint, IMO paint the jams B-4 you mount the door hinges

Hi Wayne, I see where your going with this. You're saying put the pins underneath the plate, letting the rest of the cage hold it in place sideways, top, etc, but the pins hold it up? Sounds like a great idea, I'll have to try that one. I ended up using a 1" holesaw inside the kick panel behind the lower one to access it, and fish it out. It's non-obtrusive, I think it'll stay in case of future trouble. Thanks again, Wayne. graemlins/thumbsup.gif