Uncurling the Door

[SteveW]

Greetings -

My door has been out of alignment for quite a long time and I finally got around to some investigation. Early 1973 23 footer.

The PO had installed non-factory weatherstripping around the door. I replaced that years ago with the proper part and that's likely when this
situation developed.

I've always suspected that the weatherstripping was preventing full door closure - but figured door misalignment or curvature was an issue too.

So. I removed the weatherstripping and thoroughly cleaned (wire wheel on a grinder) off all of the adhesive. I did this to have a better view of
clearance or interference. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the door works pretty well. Two closure clicks. Could be a little better -
but pretty darn good.

Upon further investigation - I see that the upper right corner of the door (from an outside view) closes closer to the coach than the bottom corner
does. So much closer that if weatherstripping is in that location - the door won't close completely. So... I'm considering "curving" that quadrant
of the door outwards.

Any thoughts or ideas about how to do that ?? Anyone done it before ?? Or any other known remedy ??

Thanks in advance,
Steve W
1973 23
Southern California

--
Steve W
1973 : 23'
Southern California

 

[terry1]

Pair of 2ft long 2x4s, adjustable c-clamps and rags to pad their points...Remove the window if you can first...One 2x4 flat on the door in a diagonal
from upper left to mid-door right, clamped in place, you would have to space it off the window if you can't remove it. The other 2x4 perpendicular to
and on top of the first, the end at mid-door left being clamped to the door and the other end sticking out away from the upper right corner you wish
to pull back out. Use your 4th C-clamp to squeeze the right upper door corner and the protruding end of the 2x4 together VERY CAREFULLY, a little at a
time.
I'm sure you will break the window if you don't remove it when bending that part of the door, no matter what method you use. That's what would happen
to me :roll:
--
Terry Kelpien

ASE Master Technician

73 Glacier 260

Smithfield, Va.