Removing Doors From Vintage VW Beetle

Got the doors off, now I can clean up rust.

Removing the rusted door hinges from a vintage Beetle is a chore, but well worth it. Whether done all at once or over time, removing the doors will provide a lighter weight body, easier access to hard to get areas, and great opportunities for a better restoration.

I tried to remove the doors a few months back, but it was just too hard. I tried oil, rust remover, impact screw drivers, and brute strength, but nothing worked. I got a few screws out, drilled out a few more, but still was not able to get a single door off.What a chore, but I put it off until I gained more experience. Besides, there was enough other work to do like learning to weld.

So, now after conducting more research, learning patience, and getting some better tools, I started again. This time I conquered the rusted bolts like a champion. I used oil, a blow torch and the impact screwdriver with a determined rhythm. I heated with the torch, banked with the impact driver, applied oil, hit with the impact drive, burned it again...over and over until the screws let loose. There's probably a better way, but I got those doors off.