Doors and Windows - Door Header

Well...1" to wide. I have a ~6' glass slider from the early 70's that I am replacing with a retro fit door with 2 sidelites. The existing support studs are 1" to narrow to fit new wood jamb.ARRGHHH ...Can I rip out one side support stud (yes I would put a temporary support in) and replace it with a 1/2" steel plate? That would get me my 1" wider with very little fuss. It would be a wee bit a drilling for attaching the jamb and such but seems like a lot less hassle than tearing out header and trying to move studs around. Kosher .. probably not but I would think 1/2" steel a heckof lot stronger than a 2x4. Oh and dont forget--- the one side isnt even touching. Believe it or not ~3/16" seperates the support stud from the header .. go figure!!!!!!! Would I be taking my life in my hands or acceptable within reasonable sanity????

I would remove the jack studs on both sides of the opening, rip them to 1" width & replace them. You would then have equall bearing on both sides and would not have to drill through the steel plate. The steel will conduct heat loss and if you live in a cold climate frost can develop on the plate from the warm moist air of the interior.

I have seen it done where the 2X4 trimmer studs are removed and replaced with 1X4's. Since one of your trimmers is not currently supporting anything, a 1X4 that fits properly would be an improvement! Plus this would increase your rough opening 1-1/2", allowing you some play to plumb and square the new door unit.