Strange door problem
Strange door problem
Author
Discussion

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
Collected the Chim a couple of week ago from Hexham after taking it in for a new chassis. They have done a first class job and I would highly recommend them.

However, a strange problem has developed with the passenger door. It opens OK but after driving a few miles it becomes difficult/impossible to close, but if I leave it for an hour or so the problem goes away. I took the car out of the garage to clean it yesterday and the door worked perfectly. After cleaning I left it running on the drive for a while and when I tried the door it was impossible to close. I left it in the garage for a couple of hours and it closed perfectly so the problem somehow seems to be heat related. Also, when the door is closed you can tell when there is going to be a problem because when you press the button outside (or turn the knob inside) the door doesn't pop open properly and you have to pull it open with the button pressed in.

Any suggestions as to what the problem could be would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Steve.

poorpeet

837 posts

275 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
Do you mean that it wont close because its catching on the bodywork or that it closes into the opening but wont latch?

Cider Andy

1,889 posts

255 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
I'd take it back with your description and I'm sure they'll sort it out.

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Sunday 28th October 2007
quotequote all
It doesn't seem to be catching the bodywork but it's makes a metal to metal thud and bounces back. The door catch seems to be in position (the same as the drivers side) and moves OK when you move it with your finger. I hope that makes sense.

Hexham are being very helpful over the phone but it's over a 300 mile round trip to take it back. I have only just realised that it could Be heat related so I will ring them on Monday.

Many thanks for your replyes.

poorpeet

837 posts

275 months

Monday 29th October 2007
quotequote all
Sound as if its the same prob mine had. The return spring on the cable that opens the lock may have come off. Pull back the carpet so you can see the workings of the lock. Twist the knob to open the door so you can see how it moves. Use your hand to make sure it returns fully when you release the knob Then close the door. If it latches then thats where the fault is.

Pete


Edited by poorpeet on Tuesday 30th October 18:13

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Tuesday 30th October 2007
quotequote all
Thanks Pete,

Probably won't get a chance until the weekend but that's what I will do. will let you know the outcome.

Regards,

Steve.

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Sunday 4th November 2007
quotequote all
Went to a club meeting on Saturday and was shown how to solve the problem. Apparently when the body is put back on the chassis it takes a while to settle. There are some spacers on the door catch and all it needed was another one added. I don't know why it was affected by temperature but all OK now.

Many thanks for your help,

Regards,

Steve.

9884booth

164 posts

228 months

Sunday 4th November 2007
quotequote all
On a seperate note...how much did it cost for the new chassis and fitting?

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
Well, it went in originally for the outriggers to be done but on removing the body the rest of it was found to be in such a bad state that a new chassis was recommended. Being an early model the cradle of the chassis was narrower than on the later cars so it has had the later Griff type fitted. Because of that the diff had to be replaced as my diff wouldn't fit with the later chassis. The radiator and the steering rack needed refurbishing and braided brake lines and new fuel pipes were fitted. By the time the dreaded vat was added the bill came to just over 11k. However Hexhan have done a first class job and the car now runs like new.

cloggy

4,959 posts

239 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
TravelsVeryRapid said:
By the time the dreaded vat was added the bill came to just over 11k.

poorpeet

837 posts

275 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
F*****g Hell!!!weeping

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Tuesday 6th November 2007
quotequote all
It wasn't too bad really, the doctor says I'll be out of therapy soon!

9884booth

164 posts

228 months

Thursday 8th November 2007
quotequote all
Agree

yikes

Sacry

ekim

233 posts

239 months

Thursday 15th November 2007
quotequote all
Mine has never been off as far as i know but over the last few weeks has started the same prob, it works most of the time but every so often the door just makes a metalic thud and bounces back, it you try very slowly to close it then it will shut after about 3 times.
Is it just the spacers i need to look at?

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
It sounds like it, you will need to loosen the two screws on the door catch but be careful not to loosen them too much as there is a plate at the back and if that falls out of line you will need to remove the door trim. I didn't actually use a spacer but I cut four pieces of metal and placed them evenly between the spacers and the door catch and that seems to have done the trick.

Hope that helps.

Chris Smith

287 posts

256 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
poorpeet said:
F*****g Hell!!!weeping
Indeed!

Else

795 posts

268 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
Sorry but that's just too much, you could buy another complete car for that money!!

Admittedly the chassis could still need some refurb but it could be done at leisure fairly cheaply then sell whats left (or keep it for spares).

Andy

blueyonder

1,779 posts

240 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
cloggy said:
TravelsVeryRapid said:
By the time the dreaded vat was added the bill came to just over 11k.
Holy S**t....that is a lot of wonga!! I assume that you have no plans to sell it for a while?? As an earlier poster said you could buy one in good nick for that money yes I hope it gives you a good few years of trouble free motoring to get your moneys worth!

TravelsVeryRapid

Original Poster:

516 posts

308 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
I know, but Iv had the car for 7 years and everything that has ever needed doing has been done. It has full leather interior all in excellent condition and another car probably won't drive as well as one with a new chassis. I decided there was more to be gained by getting it done than starting all over again with a different one. If I keep it for a while I will get the benefit knowing that all is OK with it. If and when I eventually decide to part with it,it will be easier to sell. All I have to do now is save up to get the stone chips sorted out, that's if nothing else crops up in the meantime!

edited for bad spelin

Edited by TravelsVeryRapid on Friday 16th November 11:26


Edited by TravelsVeryRapid on Friday 16th November 11:27

blueyonder

1,779 posts

240 months

Friday 16th November 2007
quotequote all
TravelsVeryRapid said:
I know, but Iv had the car for 7 years and everything that has ever needed doing has been done. It has full leather interior all in excellent condition and another car probably won't drive as well as one with a new chassis. I decided there was more to be gained by getting it done than starting all over again with a different one. If I keep it for a while I will get the benefit knowing that all is OK with it. If and when I eventually decide to part with it,it will be easier to sell. All I have to do now is save up to get the stone chips sorted out, that's if nothing else crops up in the meantime!

edited for bad spelin

Edited by TravelsVeryRapid on Friday 16th November 11:26


Edited by TravelsVeryRapid on Friday 16th November 11:27
Fair enough! smile