Bugeye door allignment help please

[ichthos]

I need help on fitting the doors on my Bugeye. I finally got a chance to install my doors this weekend. I was fairly happy with how the doors fit. I do not know how much gap was originally acceptable when these came out of the factory, but I think I have them as tight and uniform as possible without binding on the "A" posts. All was well until I decided to install the door seals. No matter how I adjust the doors, both doors seem to push out at the bottom corner on the latch side now. I bought the seals from Moss, and they look pretty nice. The only difference compared to the original is that the rubber tube part is smaller than what was originally installed. I spent over four hours yesterday trying to make adjustments, but still have the same problem. Any suggestions on what I can do? Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Kevin

 

[jlaird]

You do know that the lip/flange the seals mount on can be bent with a cresent wrench to adjust to just right??

 

[ichthos]

I tried bending the lip around the door a little. The spacing looks pretty uniform all the way around. Does it make any difference to bend it past 90 degrees? I am really disappointed that I spent so much time on the doors getting them as perfect as I could and now they seem to be way off because of the seals. I tried putting in the old seals and still have the same problem. How close did they match from the factory?
Kevin

 

[JPSmit]

I would wait at least a month before you do anything. The rubber will compress some from the doors being shut. Don't fret now, there is a good chance some of this will take car of itself. I read on someone's restoration site that they put the seals in and then used a come along or some such thing to hold the doors tight shut for a couple of weeks before they put on the hardware.

Plus, remember these puppies were assembled according to 1958 standards by guys with hammers.

relax and drive!

 

[dfwip]

Kevin-

I have no dispute with the advice of Jack and JP.
All I can offer is another source.

https://www.macgregorukcarparts.com/

This guy has forgotten more about seals for our cars than most of us know.
Good guy. Call him and do what he says, and please report back.

Paul

 

[smaceng]

I bought my seals from Martin, above reference, and am very satisfied. Fits well and looks great. no clips required.
Scott in CA

 

[ichthos]

Well, I admit I am pretty demoralized. I did a great deal of the prep and welding, but left the finer fitting, more complex welding, and paint to a friend. The paint is perfect. It should be for what I paid. I do not have a problem buying another set of spendy seals, but the doors just plain don't fit the way I think they should. I think I am going to remove the seals, see how close I can get the doors, see if it something I can live with, and then check into MacGregor. Thanks for all your help.
Kevin

 

[jlaird]

the lip I am refering to it the lip you mount the seals to. Gesh this is not rocket science. Bend em to fit the seal and your door, should not take more than a 1/4 inch.

you will maybe spend 15 min getting all set.

 

[Guest]

Well, I admit I am pretty demoralized. I did a great deal of the prep and welding, but left the finer fitting, more complex welding, and paint to a friend. The paint is perfect. It should be for what I paid. I do not have a problem buying another set of spendy seals, but the doors just plain don't fit the way I think they should. I think I am going to remove the seals, see how close I can get the doors, see if it something I can live with, and then check into MacGregor. Thanks for all your help.
Kevin

Realax, perfection is a ~concept~ . :wink:

 

[jlaird]

Ok Kelly, take the seal off and measure the distance from the door to the door seal mounting flange. Make it the same, the correct distance, all the way around. Etc etc.

If you find the door is bent they are straightened with a 2x4, carefull though.