Doors hard to shut w- new weatherstrip

[DougG69]

Anyone else have to slam the doors shut with new weatherstripping? Any advice on making it easier to close the doors?

 

[SAC69]

My pass side operated the same but the drivers' was a significant problem after I replaced the weatherstrip. After checking it out, it seemed the problem was at the large, thick rubber section at the end, near the lower door hinge; it was too thick/wide. It was really jamming against the hinge pillar before the door was 2/3 closed. I used a razor blade to trim off approx 1/4" - 1/3" and the door closes much better w/o any air leaks either.

 

[DougG69]

My pass side operated the same but the drivers' was a significant problem after I replaced the weatherstrip. After checking it out, it seemed the problem was at the large, thick rubber section at the end, near the lower door hinge; it was too thick/wide. It was really jamming against the hinge pillar before the door was 2/3 closed. I used a razor blade to trim off approx 1/4" - 1/3" and the door closes much better w/o any air leaks either.

Hmm... there's an idea. Mine has the pretty much the same symptom - I can feel resistance when the door is 8"-10" from closing.

Did you trim from the inside (side glued to door), or the outside?

 

[DougG69]

Well, I finally got a chance to go out to take a look at things today.

The doors came a lot closer to closing before meeting resistance than the 8"-10" I thought I remembered. I think it's OK in the front, but the weatherstrip was turned on its side along the bottoms of the doors (wasn't me - came back that way from paint). So, I just pulled the weatherstrip off since it will need re-glued anyway.

I'll probably tackle that tomorrow. But today it was so nice, I drove it to work anyway

 

[SAC69]

Hmm... there's an idea. Mine has the pretty much the same symptom - I can feel resistance when the door is 8"-10" from closing.

Did you trim from the inside (side glued to door), or the outside?

I trimmed the large rubber piece that sticks out and hits the hinge pillar. I can send an image if needed, just send me a PM.

 

[DougG69]

I trimmed the large rubber piece that sticks out and hits the hinge pillar. I can send an image if needed, just send me a PM.

The big flap across from where the roofrail weatherstrip ends, gotcha. No need to bother with a pic, but thank you kindly anyway for the offer.

I think if I get mine in correctly, they will be OK. I hope. They weren't seated right in the channel along the bottom of the door.

 

[DougG69]

Thought I'd come back with a quick update.

A buddy of mine came over last Saturday & helped me reinstall the door weatherstripping. The doors were immediately somewhat easier to shut than before. Today, after the car had sat with the doors shut since Saturday, it was a little easier still. I think by the time July/August roll around, time & temperature will take care of the rest of the issue.

And everyone lived happily ever after :beer