Seals not tight on door frame

[Camo]

Hi Guys,

Picked up my new toy this week, one problem I have noticed is the window frame on the drivers door does not seal against the windscreen surround as per the photo:


Is this an issue with the glass frame and can this be adjusted inside the door ?
Or do I need to some how bulk out the aperture with more seals ?
I currently have a wet floor !
It won't be a problem though as the Stag is now nestled in my garage and will be a dry day car for a while but clearly there is a problem that needs solving..

Any ideas ?

Stu

[Ian Durrant]

Hi Stu,

There is some adjustment on the lower end of the frames that might help close that gap. Also there should be a seal that glued to the gutter panel but lots of cars have that missing. Someone will be along with a picture shortly I am sure. Mine is currently stripped down so I can't take a pic.

Kind regards
Ian

[Ian Durrant]

Also looking at that pic its missing the gutter, is that just a trick of the light?

[andy p]

mine has the same gap I just thought its how they were

[Andrew S]

Ian's right though, where's the gutter?

[jleyton]

I rather think that having no gutter might actually be a good idea ! Less wind noise, less chance of rusting and I'm really not sure quite how much use they really are Looks neater as well.

I had a gap like that and a mixture of adjustment and seals cured it.

Cheers

Julian

[Camo]

There is a seal there but it is not big enough to fill the void, the door top sticks out further on the drivers side than it does on the passenger side..
Some fettling is required meethinks.

Stu

[Another Peter]

In addition to adjusting the frame, you might want to consider buying some Gummi Phledge (spelling might not be quite right). This comes in a little bottle with a sponge applicator on the top. You run it over the seal and it restores the rubber to its original plumpness helping it seal better. It's available on EBay and Amazon.

Regards

Peter

[Firept]

Stu.
Besides adjusting your door go to the scrap yard and get the door and tail gate seals off of a Volvo 340 series fantastic seals made of flexible rubber (unlike the new ones) and fit a treat.
Paul.

[Camo]

Well I took the door card off and found there was no more movement to be gained, the frame seems to be at its furthest points..
I have added another seal at this point so at least I am watertight and draft proof on that side now.
I am just a little worried that the carpets that were wet seem to leave my fingers feeling like its antifreeze water due to the film left on them, you all know what I mean I am sure.. can't see a point of leaking under the dash, I've changed a matrix before, I don't want to do it again !

Thanks
Stu

[jleyton]

I am just a little worried that the carpets that were wet seem to leave my fingers feeling like its antifreeze water due to the film left on them, you all know what I mean I am sure.. can't see a point of leaking under the dash, I've changed a matrix before, I don't want to do it again !
Thanks
Stu

Hi Stu,

If it's antifreeze then it'll almost definitely be the heater valve leaking - easy job to do and no need to remove the matrix Is it on the right hand side ?

Just do a search on here for 'heater valve' - I'm sure you'll find everything you need to know.

Cheers

Julian

[Ian Durrant]

If its antifreeze you should be able to smell it I would have thought?

[DJT]

Well I took the door card off and found there was no more movement to be gained, the frame seems to be at its furthest points..
I have added another seal at this point so at least I am watertight and draft proof on that side now.
I am just a little worried that the carpets that were wet seem to leave my fingers feeling like its antifreeze water due to the film left on them, you all know what I mean I am sure.. can't see a point of leaking under the dash, I've changed a matrix before, I don't want to do it again !

Thanks
Stu

Stu,

If the frame will not adjust further, but is still sticking out there is another way to close the gap. Open the door and put your knee against the inside near to where the vertical frame at the rear of the 1/4-light enters the door. Grasp the top front corner of the frame and pull it towards you firmly. This sounds drastic, but is nothing compared to the methods used on production lines before modern technology took over.

This is only a suggestion and I accept no liability for any subsequent damage caused - although I have successfully used this method myself in the past.

[Camo]

Stu,

If the frame will not adjust further, but is still sticking out there is another way to close the gap. Open the door and put your knee against the inside near to where the vertical frame at the rear of the 1/4-light enters the door. Grasp the top front corner of the frame and pull it towards you firmly. This sounds drastic, but is nothing compared to the methods used on production lines before modern technology took over.

This is only a suggestion and I accept no liability for any subsequent damage caused - although I have successfully used this method myself in the past.

I tried this to some extent but didn't want to Break anything.. may give it a go as the weeks pass by..
As for the water I think there is no leaks from the matrix and valve luckily. When I picked the car up the owner did say he has cleaned the carpets but that was only in reply to my questioning why they were wet... I naturally distrust anything someone selling me a car says but he may have been telling the truth. I have dried them out and will monitor for new ingress of water !

Cheers,
Stu