Doors Won't Spring Open - Solution Found

[Snakes]

I have had problems with both my doors not springing open properly since day 1 (7 years ago!!). I had heard that the usual fix is to slide a length of old HT lead or similar inside the door seal.

I didn't have any HT leads so tried a 20cm length of some heavy duty speaker wire. My seals meet at the vertical, front edge of the door apperture so I just pulled the seal away from the door flange, removed the short length of rubber slipped inside the seal at the joint and slipped in the speaker wire (about 12cm in the upper seal and 8cm in the lower one) and fixed back onto the flange.

Unfortunately this wasn't enough so tried 2 lengths taped together with electricans' tape. This wasn't enough either so moved up to 3 lengths! This was fine but having left the doors closed overnight they had compressed and didn't provide sufficient spring so, back to the drawing board!

Logically, I needed something denser, less "Heath Robinson" and less inclined to permanently deform. So I searched the web for some rubber and found this site. I ordered a 1m length each of the 15mm and 20mm diameter cord and the 15mm worked for me. I needed some silicon gel to help push it far enough in (oo-er missus). As you can see they do a wide range of sizes so you will be able to get the right one for the condition of your doors. Delivery was quick and at about £8 a pop a reasonably economical solution I thought.

I hope that helps anyone who has been suffering with the same or a similar issue.

[funbobby]

do you have any pics?

[slimtater]

I just went to Halfords, bought some washer jet tubing (smallest size they had) and inserted it inside the original seal. It is best to use something hollow as making it "solid" can put a bit too much strain on the door locks.

[MAD WUD]

There is a fix for this that most Indys are probably familiar with. as above, really but ask around a dealer for most effective tubing

[glow worm]

Neoprene tubing is usually used..but I found distributor vacuum pipe is also OK..Just vary the length to get the correct springiness,the nearer it gets to the door striker the stronger, also stops the door from rattling ....On my Tuscan vert, I glued a cap on the end of the tubing to stop it falling down the seal. Other tip is wrap some insulation tape around the striker, your door will then close with a nice clunk rather than a tinney rattle.

Edited by glow worm on Tuesday 27th April 08:34