door hard to close or doesn't close completely

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Clement Dang
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door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#1 Post by Clement Dang »

why most of 356's door hard to shut and doesn't shut all the way in ? What is the majority problem that cause that?
Thanks

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Martin Benade
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#2 Post by Martin Benade »

That is usually from people doing rust repairs without constantly checking the door fit with with the weatherstrips in place. When it is all finished, often it cannot ever be adjusted correctly without grinding, cutting, etc. If you are lucky, new seals of softer rubber can sometimes cure the problem.
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Steve Harrison
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#3 Post by Steve Harrison »

Sometimes it's that rubber wedge that is supposed to fit into the aluminum cup in the door. It's supposed to be a fairly snug fit to keep the door firm and positively located. Try glycerine on the rubber and see if it helps land itself further in the receiver. Carefuly checking the other seals and possibly replacing with new softer ones can indeed also solve shutting problems. Without seeing the car, it's hard to say really.

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David Baugh
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#4 Post by David Baugh »

It can also be the rubber in the pocket that extends below the door trim panel. Try removing the rubber. If you like, it can be replaced with a softer material.

Dave
When in doubt .... Gas it! 
'58 356A Coupe

Geoff Fleming
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#5 Post by Geoff Fleming »

Most often caused by using the modern door seals, which are way too thick and made of a much harder rubber than originally used.

Nanette Reid
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#6 Post by Nanette Reid »

I'll second Geoff's assessment - my 59 A coupe drivers door closed perfectly until I replaced the seals. Took absolutely ages before it calmed down (and only last year it needed a little tweaking to the inside latch area: moved it a smidgen downwards.)

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Martin Benade
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#7 Post by Martin Benade »

Any votes for supplier of softest, thinnest seals, purchased recently enough to be the same item being supplied currently? Luckily, my car does not have this problem, but this would be very useful information.
Cleveland Ohio
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Bob DiCorpo
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#8 Post by Bob DiCorpo »

I had lots of problems with the doors on my Speedster closing until I replaced the closing mechanism springs. The new springs are very strong and pull the door right in when I close it. Of course, if the rubber on your car is too stiff, the springs will not completely correct your problem.
Bob DiCorpo
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Martin Benade
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#9 Post by Martin Benade »

Which springs are you referring to?
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Bob DiCorpo
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#10 Post by Bob DiCorpo »

There are small springs (one on each door locking/opening mechanism), located inside the door. You would need to remove the inside door panel to get to them.
Bob DiCorpo
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Martin Benade
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#11 Post by Martin Benade »

Springs in the actual latch, or right by the inside door handle?
Cleveland Ohio
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Clement Dang
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#12 Post by Clement Dang »

Hi Steve, i removed the rubber wedge that is supposed to fit into the aluminum cup in the door and the door closed perfectly. Any supplier you suggest to get the new soft material?
Thanks

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Martin Benade
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#13 Post by Martin Benade »

The wedge is meant to be hard plastic. Can you realign/ file down/ lubricate it to work better? My later cars do not have this piece so I don't know it the screws allow it to be moved slightly.
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David Baugh
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#14 Post by David Baugh »

I had to remove my new passenger side rubber door wedge, and cut off about 1/8" from the back side of it, before reinstalling it. Then the door shut perfectly.

Dave
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Wes Bender
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Re: door hard to close or doesn't close completely

#15 Post by Wes Bender »

I think we're talking about two different wedges here..........

Wes
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