Casualty of wind

[madlec]

Hi all,

We were enjoying the "sunny" climes of the Isle of Skye and during small gale, the passenger door was forced open . When closing the door, it looks like something has bent at the front end because it is being pulled into the opening a lot more than at the catch end, so much so, when trying to open it, it pops open an inch or so. I have re-aligned the wing, but the door is still recessed and fouls the wing when trying to open it, I also looked at the hinge mountings on the door, but they don't look adjustable. Is it likely that the hinges are bent, or something a bit more expensive? I have worked out how to remove the wing, just not had the time to do it yet.

Has any one found a supplier that sells hinges?

[g8dhe]

Had a similar problem a couple of years back in Cornwall, spent several minutes coming to conclusion that hinges couldn't have bent / moved, so using a bit of local ply stuck it in between door and wing and levered door metal back out its been perfect ever since and no visible damage / dent or crease visible! Still not quite sure how it happened, but it did!

[Northern Bongolow]

its the A post, it twists its a really weak thing. like geoff said it goes back easy with a bit of wood.

[Diplomat]

Likewise, used a block of wood and pushed hard on the door.

With a bit of luck, the metal in question work hardens so after the initial bending and then the bending back it has got tough enough not to happen again. Hopefully the paintwork on the pillar doesn't crack but there is bound to be some chafing leading to rust when the door is misaligned so it needs sorting out with the block of wood ASAP.

The wind can really whistle down my road sometimes and after the one time I got caught unawares I have been ultra careful. The doors are like elephant's ears and in the hands of inexperienced passengers can easily become like spinnakers.


Frank

[Northern Bongolow]

and the door pull pockets are too shallow to keep hold of a blowing door, unless you have a rock climbers grippy fingers.

[madlec]

Many thanks for the replies, the doors are a little like sails... The van went in to the shop today to have the rear wheel arches done, and the guy said if he had time, he would look at the door as well. If not, I happen to have some ply left over from other van projects

[mikeonb4c]

Many thanks for the replies, the doors are a little like sails...

They certainly are. I toyed with the idea of fitting limiter straps on them as insurance as one getting caught by the wind. 9 years later though I THINK I've developed a feel for when to watch out, though occasionally I still park tail to wind and have a close moment. Maybe we need to design a tailwind warning light for Bongos

[madlec]

...Interesting, my wife would love it if I added another gadget to our Freda

We picked it up from the panel repair guy the other day, and he has managed to bend the hinges back into alignment. Apart from some stress marks in the paint on the door, its almost as good as new