| Author |
Message |
sake
Samba Member
Joined: June 23, 2016
Posts: 49
|
 Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:54 am Post subject: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
 |
|
Currently rebuilding the front doors and have a few questions.
Vapour barrier installation
I'm planning to install new vapour barriers, this material is available from several suppliers. What the best method is to attach it? Adhesive or tape for example?
Door alignment
The door currently sits slightly crooked, it's tilted a bit in the frame. What is the correct way to adjust the door so that it aligns properly?
Foam piece near the lock
There is a foam piece that seems to go above the door lock area. What is this piece for, and how is it supposed to be mounted (glue)?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Klister
Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2018
Posts: 258
Location: Washington
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gnarlodious
Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2013
Posts: 2404
Location: Bonners Ferry Idaho
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zuhandenheit
Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008
Posts: 897
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
|
|
Re the door alignment, you can get a little adjustment from the bolts, but if it's visibly misaligned you'll likely need a tool. My solo technique for the bolts is to loosen all four but keep one tight enough that the door doesn't shift from weight alone, and then pull it into new position and tighten up. Much better to just get help from a second person, I am sure.
When my passenger door was recently caught by a very strong gust of wind and would no longer close without slamming, I couldn't get enough adjustment with the bolts. I used one of these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356446844458?itmmeta=01K0...Swmjlk3xPB
It's easy, but can take a surprising amount of force.
--
As for the vapor barrier, I and many others have used shower curtain liner. I'm not sure what others are using and I think I just used spray adhesive since it's what i had around - but a much better choice would be butyl rubber caulk. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4382
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
|
|
| zuhandenheit wrote: |
Re the door alignment, you can get a little adjustment from the bolts, but if it's visibly misaligned you'll likely need a tool. My solo technique for the bolts is to loosen all four but keep one tight enough that the door doesn't shift from weight alone, and then pull it into new position and tighten up. Much better to just get help from a second person, I am sure.
When my passenger door was recently caught by a very strong gust of wind and would no longer close without slamming, I couldn't get enough adjustment with the bolts. I used one of these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356446844458?itmmeta=01K0...Swmjlk3xPB
It's easy, but can take a surprising amount of force.
--
As for the vapor barrier, I and many others have used shower curtain liner. I'm not sure what others are using and I think I just used spray adhesive since it's what i had around - but a much better choice would be butyl rubber caulk. |
pic of how that tool is used
re shower curtain liner - doesn't 16CVs sell a formed vapour barrier?
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
zuhandenheit
Samba Member
Joined: June 27, 2008
Posts: 897
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 3:16 pm Post subject: Re: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
|
|
| vanis13 wrote: |
re shower curtain liner - doesn't 16CVs sell a formed vapour barrier? |
Apparently. Link was posted in this thread, and it is a very nice option.
Although, if I were using it I expect I'd have to remove the molded speaker sections. I don't think it would provide enough air space. I have high end speakers (old JL xr 6.5 components) and have not in many years had moisture issues. I did recently install some foam baffles behind the speakers, and between the speaker basket and door card (this is the more important part, I'll bet). I was very surprised by the extent of the improvement. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bulli Klinik
Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2005
Posts: 2208
Location: Bulli Klinik, Colorado Springs
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2025 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
|
|
Let’s see a pic of that foam wedge. It’s been a while since I removed mine and forgot where it goes.
_________________
PM me about quality metal-work on your vehicle.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
wbailey2112
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2015
Posts: 549
Location: Grove City, OH
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2025 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Front door questions - vapour barrier, alignment and foam piece |
|
|
Some have used plastic carpet protection film as a replacement for the vapor barrier since it has a light adhesive already on it but I have not personally tried it (I just patched up the old barrier).
_________________
'74 Thing
'83 Westfalia |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
