How to undo this weld? Easiest way for beginner?

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Hi, I am new here.  I don't know much of anything about welding.  I bought a van and the door is welded shut.  I want to undo the weld/s so the door can open and close.  Since I don't know much about welding what is the best way to remove these welds?  I was thinking about a grinder but I wanted to remove it the easiest and safest way possible.  I enclosed a picture of the weld. Any info would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks. Attached Images
Reply:I would go with a grinder for sure,  I'd say split the piece of angle right down the center, then you can open the door, and cut each piece with a better approach angle, be careful that you don't create TOO much heat, as vehicle doors are made of thin gauge material, you want to avoid warping the door.Just my 2 cents.
Reply:Cut through the angle iron first, then the door will open for better access to remove the remaining metal. I would say a sawzall with a bi-metal blade will do. Also a good choice is a die grinder and cut-off wheel. Even a Dremel will cut through that with a bit of patience. The old hack saw could work, or an oxy-acetylene torch or plasma cutter of course. There will be some shavings or trimmings or sparks involved, so use saftey glasses at the very least.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Is that an armored van?
Reply:Zipcut...with a little finness you can take that off of there without leaving a mark. I wonder why it was welded shut...there must be a reason ? Maybe a faulty latch.
Reply:Yes it is an armored van. The door is very thick steel and very heavy.   They welded it shut so it couldn't be open.  They wanted to keep the driver seperated from the money handler for security purposes.  Some insurance companies won't insure them if they don't have a fixed bulkhead recently.  Thanks for all of the advice.  I appreciate it.  I will cut the angle first.  That is a great idea.  I didn't even think of that.  I have a dremel.  I don't have an grinder but will get one.  Here is a larger picture of the door.  Thanks Again for all of the info and please let me know if anything new comes up that may help.PS:  What is a zipcut? Attached Images
Reply:What are you doing with the Van?  Use a angle grinder. Probably the cheapest way and it will work good. You can pick one up at any hardware store for pretty cheap. Have fun.
Reply:I vote for a 4" angle grinder with a thin abrasive cut-off wheel.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Use the sawsall you don't want to ruin the money.pro-level dumpster diver                                     Hobart 125EZ
Reply:Originally Posted by stevinatorUse the sawsall you don't want to ruin the money.
Reply:grind the edge off (corner part sticking out off)  the angle then it will break off or a dermel and cut off disc remove the welded  part  then grind the rest down  paint over  good to go the last welder shoulda  painted over the scab
Reply:Zipcut- 1/16"or 1/32" abrasive cutoff wheel, typically used on angle grinders. The first ones we ever used were by Walter and they were called zipcuts. We call them Zipcuts or Zippy discs
Reply:Forgive me for stating the obvious, but since you say you know nothing about welding let me remind you to wear goggles or wraparound safety glasses any time you use an abrasive wheel.  I can tell you from experience that you do not want to get a metal particle in your cornea.  And remember the dust mask, too.awright
Reply:And have a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water handy.  The sparks from the grinder will be hot.  Cover up any rugs or upholstery. A $19 Harborfreight grinder and a cutoff wheel will get the doors seperated, and a grinding wheel will get rid of the stuff left on the doors.
Reply:Originally Posted by awrightForgive me for stating the obvious, but since you say you know nothing about welding let me remind you to wear goggles or wraparound safety glasses any time you use an abrasive wheel.  I can tell you from experience that you do not want to get a metal particle in your cornea.  And remember the dust mask, too.awright
Reply:Just spend the time and buy the grinder... If you're anything like me you're trying to figure out how many of those dremel cut off wheel disks it will take to get it open... It'll use all of them, and will take you hours
Reply:the cheapest thing might be a hammer and a cold chisel.  you'd be surprside how quickly they can work on something like this, and are cleaner, which is beside the point because you'd still need to grind the remaining weldment off...
Reply:Blowtorch..  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks for all of the help.  I greatly appreciate it.  Yes eye protection and a mask are excellent ideas.  I will wear them both.  I will try a chisel just to see how it does.  Then I am off to buy a grinder and wheel.  Hopefully it will go smoothly. Thanks Again for all of the advice and tips.  Merry Christmas to all you guys.
Reply:If the money is still in there, bring to my house and leave it for an hour and I'll open it for free. Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene