Door check/strap

[VanGeek]

My driver's side door was closing itself if the Eurovan was parked on a slight angle or the wind picked up and sometimes groaned when opening or closing. The passenger side door was still firm and held position well when opened. The driver's side door check strap was getting tired.

I went online and found new replacement door straps from Europe.

To replace it requires the removal of the plastic inner door panel (remove pull handle, speaker, and philips-head screw at the top near the inside edge facing the dash ducts -- then gently lift up and out.

After that, it's pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, however, I found my "new" door check is weaker than the old one. The door doesn't hold it's open position very well.

For those who have replaced their door checks, where did you source them and what brands did you use? Also, is there an adjustment that I'm not seeing here that will make the check more firm? Here is a photo of the OEM check and one of the new one's I purchased:

[mikemtnbike]

I got mine sent from Jim Ellis VW and it works great.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[BeConscious]

Following - looking to replace my door checks, both passenger and drivers side have issues closing on me.

[lavabiscuit]

I've been having problems with my driver side door, so I bought a replacement check strap. However, when I prepared to replace it, I saw that the bracket inside the door that the strap attaches to is broken loose. Any ideas about how to fix it short of removing the door and rewelding it back on?

[krusovice]

Mine came loose on the passenger side. I was able to line it up flush by pulling on the strap and installing new bolts.
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2001 Eurovan Camper

Sold, but not forgotten:
1984 Vanagon 1.9/4 speed

[lavabiscuit]

Here is the breakage I am talking about. I’m at a loss about what to do. Would it be worth trying JB Weld? There has got to be a lot of force on that plate.
Also, I’m going to have to pull the door wire harness out and fix a bunch of broken wires. I’ve had the van for about 3 weeks, it came to me this way.

[67rustavenger]

I hate to say it but, this is not a job for JB Weld. It really doesn't have the strength to handle the repeated flexing of the A pillar and door check rod.

Ideally, welding with a MIG welder is the way to go for this repair.

Sorry to be truthful here.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas!

[lavabiscuit]

No need to be sorry! I appreciate the honesty - I was doubtful myself.

[soissisc]

I would say mig weld.
_________________
Mark

68 Westy
92 Jetta (oh it is retired)
99 Eurovan
05 NBC
06 Audi A3
72 Westy (I am going to fix it up)

[calicrusin]

@lavabiscuit please report back if you fixed the weld. I have the same problem on passenger side (and cracks forming on driver side).

I went by a body shop today and they recommended finding another door at pick a part. He didn't want to mess with welding on the thin metal. I'm thinking of getting a cheap mig welder and try it myself before going the new door route, being careful not to melt through the panel.

Any other tips/advice appreciated! I'm getting tired of apologizing to my passengers for their legs getting slammed by the door.

[soissisc]

I would say you could weld that. You have to clean up the areas you are going to weld down to bare metal. The loose piece would be no problem, you might need a dremel or something like that for the area inside the door there.

If you get a cheap mig, practice on some scrap pieces that are the same thickness, to get the settings dialed in.

I would think that a lot of tacks around the perimeter on the broken edge would hold that well. Maybe some plug welds through the door to that backer piece also where you have room.

Keep a fire extinguisher close by. Disconnect your battery.

But you have to get some practice to get the settings and your technique down. Youtube has a lot of info to offer, maybe even on the welder that you would purchase.

Good luck!
_________________
Mark

68 Westy
92 Jetta (oh it is retired)
99 Eurovan
05 NBC
06 Audi A3
72 Westy (I am going to fix it up)

[lavabiscuit]

Have not done it yet. I took an intro welding class though! I think it is doable. My main concern is working in such a tight space, inside the door.
The way it originally was made, there is a heavier piece of steel behind the surface of the door jamb, just tack welded in place. I think welding the backing piece back on to the thinner door metal with a bead all around would work.

[soissisc]

Yes very hard to see what you are doing back in there.
_________________
Mark

68 Westy
92 Jetta (oh it is retired)
99 Eurovan
05 NBC
06 Audi A3
72 Westy (I am going to fix it up)

[Tom Clark]

I own a small MIG welder, have had it for years. I even took a welding class once, long ago. It serves me well.

I would hesitate to make this weld repair myself; too easy to blow through. TIG is more controlled.

That said, *if* I were to attempt it, I would not try it in situ, I’d have the door off the van, and stripped, in my shop.

I would also have a back up plan in the form of an experienced automotive welder I trust…just in case.

[mikemtnbike]

Is there enough surface area to try body panel glue or another super strong adhesive like the kind they glue high tops on with if you can't weld it or find somebody to?

Just another option before getting a used door somehow- I do think that might be the best option.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[soissisc]

mikemtnbike That is a good idea. The inner sq piece would be a good surface to glue to the door.
_________________
Mark

68 Westy
92 Jetta (oh it is retired)
99 Eurovan
05 NBC
06 Audi A3
72 Westy (I am going to fix it up)

[gesoffen]

I have a similar metal fatigue issue on my 2003 drivers side. In looking at repair option, I'm likely going to farm this out to an experienced TIG welder as I don't think MIG has the required control/precision. Perhaps it would be easier with MIG with the door off the van but not sure.

During my exploration, I also came across these reinforcement plates: https://www.g-part.de/Reinforcement-kit-for-door-stopper-VW-T4
They may be a good option to help provide a temporary repair or reinforce repaired (or still intact) doors. While they are available from a German vendor, these look pretty easy to reproduce if shipping is prohibitive. I have family in Germany so will likely order them just to support what looks to be a valuable vendor in our shrinking T4 community.
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1973 VW Superbeetle (1302) w/ RAT 2270 T4
2003 VW Eurovan Weekender w/ 2.8L VR6 AXK, DYA 5 Spd Manual Conversion

[SambaBurnsRed]

Is thread looking to fix the cracked off plate? Rather than doing a frame-off repair , I used alum 0.1" or 0.080 on the exterior,
some 2-side tape to support as well. Got it a bit crooked but working quickly as there were a zillion things to do on the van!

[calicrusin]

That may be the hack I need!

Thanks all for the welding tips and advice too.

[GretaVan]

Well, my door stay broke its weld in the door long ago and I finally got tired of the door flapping around without adult supervision. Don't currently have access to a welder so I tried one of the suggestions listed above... working so far! Longer T6 bolts, 1-1/2 fender washers, lock washer.