Repair or Delete?

[gmflash88]

So my back door is fairly rusted and clearly needs the windows removed, cleaned up, and replaced (not the glass itself). Since I’ll have our bed back there and the door would only serve as access to the under storage/“garage”, would you repair the door or simply remove it, skin the whole area over (after welding in new steel framing), and put an access hatch where the door would’ve been to still have access to the garage area?

I’m leaning delete because A) it would create a central space for either a window ac or mini split, B) allow me to ditch the rooftop ac idea which opens up more room on the roof for a possible deck, additional PV panel, and/or skylight, C) remove and entry point to the vehicle in favor of a secure hatch.

Pics included for what I’m getting into with the door.

Thanks all!

[musigenesis]

Your door doesn't look too bad except for the windows. You could remove them and cut out the rusted metal around them, then rivet sheet over the openings on the outside. I did this, just with the lower window only (top one was unrusted). Yesterday I finished up insulating the door on the inside and relocating the latch to the new interior panel, so the door is flush with the rest of the back wall and I can have my bed frame right up against it.

Your idea to frame the opening and skin it and add a new access hatch is good, too.

[gmflash88]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Your door doesn't look too bad except for the windows. You could remove them and cut out the rusted metal around them, then rivet sheet over the openings on the outside. I did this, just with the lower window only (top one was unrusted). Yesterday I finished up insulating the door on the inside and relocating the latch to the new interior panel, so the door is flush with the rest of the back wall and I can have my bed frame right up against it.

Your idea to frame the opening and skin it and add a new access hatch is good, too.

I'm pretty strongly leaning towards removing the thing completely and putting a mini split back there. I just don't see the need for the full door for our needs/wants. My other rear windows look the same so those might go away as well.