Anybody having difficulties opening doors with new seals?

Bret Young

I have just finished the resto on my 64 panels and my only complaint at the moment is the difficulty opening and closing the front doors. Doors are aligned properly and were easy to close before putting the window assemblies in. And just for clarification, my 64 is an early 64 (Nov 63) so it still has ice pick from for handles. Just in case people were wondering.

When I close the doors, the flexible seal that goes around the top of the window frame seals very nicely, but so well that it takes effort to open and close the doors. When opening the doors, the latch disengages from the striker plate and pops out about half an inch and then its stuck there. I have to hold the handle open and then put my fingers in between the lip of the door and the body and physically pull it open. And it takes a good amount of pulling. Feels like the doors are suction cupped closed. Does everyone experience this with new seals? Does this wear in?

I dont have my door panels installed yet because being that the doors are hard to open....they are equally as difficult to close all the way. I have to slam them pretty hard to close all the way or they consistently just reach the first notch on the striker plate. Anyone running an accessory door pull on the inside of their bus? If the doors are this difficult, I dont want to put all the pulling pressure on that plastic handle.

Any incite is greatly appreciated.

Eric&Barb · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 12:22 pm Post subject:

Might try some French Chalk and see if that helps.

Over time the top seal should improve.
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Riff Raff · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 3:32 pm Post subject:

I use baby powder on new seals.

Very effective dry lube.
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NAES · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 5:10 pm Post subject:

X2
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Eric&Barb · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 5:31 pm Post subject:

Riff Raff · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 5:51 pm Post subject:

I think it is talc.
Hydrated magnesium silicate, colloquially referred to in it's loose form as talcum powder, primary ingredient in baby powder.
Sounds like French Chalk is another name for it, but one I had not heard of. (I'll add it to my vocabulary)
Hence, I suggested baby powder.
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BarryL · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 7:35 pm Post subject:

I always put a length of lo-tack long lasting tape along the b-pillar where the seam is open. That is where the scraper hangs up. After a while it will get a memory and you can remove the tape.

j.pickens · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 8:02 pm Post subject:

Mark L. recommended corn starch to me. Works well, but you have to reapply it often.
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stevo · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2014 10:49 pm Post subject:

i installed an around the top ww seal three weeks ago. sticky for the first 10-15 openings. it quickly lost that stickiness. a memory now.

Bret Young · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 1:02 am Post subject:

RPGreg2600 · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:49 am Post subject:

Silicon spray lube wet or dry.

Eric&Barb · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:04 am Post subject:


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