TR2/3/3A tr3- body guru's - HELP

[Marvin Gruber]

Got a better look at the door tonight. Believe someone has built up your door latch area. Where that hammer when you need it.

Marv

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

Maybe you should check the width of the door opening. This is my drivers side door, on a pre-60K car. The doors fit, latched and worked fine before I removed them. Two other doors I got off ebay (with better wooden inserts) fit exactly the same. The distance from the lower hinge screw hole, to the lower latch plate hole is 29 1/8".

 

[Number_6]

Looking at your pictures, in particular the shot no. 8 that is looking straight down on the problem area, it could be that the PO that did the metal work may have assembled the panels with B-pillar a shade to far forward. Doesn't have to be off by much 1/4-3/8" is enough to cause the sort of alignment problems that your experiencing. As was mentioned, you may be able to solve the problem by a combination of removing some material from the back of the striker plate and possibly from the back of the hinges also. The worst case (last resort) you may need to cut out the recessed area where the striker attaches on the B-pillar and re-weld it back in a little further back.

 

[toysrrus]

Howdy Folks,

I`m not a "Body Guy" by no means but looking at the pics; I tend to agree with Rich. It appears that the "B" post is way too far forward. Whats all that "Missing" Metal directly behind the "B" pillar?

Also; It appears that the "Inside of the Door" is really pushed in! That striker is cocked over on an angle that just "Would`nt" allow for proper closing.

I`m going to forward this entire post to the "Restoration Gent" who is currently working on my `57TR3. The door gaps, closing the doors etc; Is working just fine. Perhaps He`ll have some input here for you.

Best Wishes,

Russ

 

[hermanmaire]

I believe that the first latching point you are referring to is a safety catch but not where the lock should stop.....in order for the door to fully close it needs the pass the second lip and latch behind that. It will mate up with the ramp shape of the lock guide and strike plate. So something is stopping from traveling that far in......With the strike off of the car will it fully travel into the lock mechanism to reach the second lip?

Everybody.... I think I deserve the BCF idiot award of the year ( if there is one).

If what Jp is saying is correct in that the centre hole of the chrome striker post latch is the safety catch and that the door mechanism pin sits on the inside edge of the chrome striker post latch then my problem is SOLVED and the door fits beautiful.

I thought the door mechanism pin locked into the centre of the chrome striker post latch.

if this is the case I am very, very happy.

can anybody confirm this.

 

[tinman58]

I belive that your problem is solved. But be aware that I have done a TR3 restoration three times in the last 30 years and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Its fixed right? Just make sure that you install the windshield wiper mechinism under the scuttle first, before you install the wiring, heater, gauges ect. Just a heads up!!

 

[Number_6]

That's good to hear that solves the problem. Since these are all essentially hand built cars with some variation in dimensions, TexasKnucklehead's post got me curious. I measured the distance on my car from the A-Post to the B-post on my car. The measurement on the passenger side is 29" while on the driver's side the measurement is 28 7/8"!

 

[hermanmaire]

I belive that your problem is solved. But be aware that I have done a TR3 restoration three times in the last 30 years and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Its fixed right? Just make sure that you install the windshield wiper mechinism under the scuttle first, before you install the wiring, heater, gauges ect. Just a heads up!!

Dan,

yes it looks to be solved, I honestly cannot believe it. The car has sat untouched almost 7 months because of this, if I did not come to this forum I would have never figured out that the door pin is not supposed to be in the centre of the chrome striker latch when fully closed.

I will takle the wiper mechanism ( purchased from another member last year) like you suggest.

I am sure I will come across a few more problems before its done but the finish line is awfully close now.

Thanks again for all the help on this.

 

[Tr3aguy]

Good news and glad to help.....would like to see new pictures with properly closed doors....and please keep the updates...I am further behind than you....

Next time don't wait seven months....lots of knowledge on the forum...lol