I HATE slamming my door

[another69]

My doors and trunk always close pretty tough. I removed the weatherstripping, and everything closes great, smooth, just like a new car. So I thought it was the weatherstripping. It came with the car, and looked fairly new, but I suspected it was a cheap repro. 4 years have gone by, and time hasn't really softened the weatherstrip much, so I bought a set of Metro "sponge" weatherstrip. Installed it- everything closes WAY WORSE!!

I know it may take a little time to "form", but c'mon, brand new cars have new weatherstrip and everything closes great. I've adjusted the door a bit more then I like already. I'm really sick of slamming doors. What can I do???

[Van B]

I have been dealing with the same thing. Much worse on the passenger side than driver side. I figure I just have to deal with it.

[dhutton]

I used the Metro and it seems to work OK after a few months. OER makes some that are like the original latex parts that are supposed to be softer but they cost a bit more than the Metro.

[another69]

I cinched the door closed with a ratchet strap, figure I'll leave it for a few days and see if it helps. Not real impressed with Metro, though- I may try another brand if anyone has had luck. I don't think I'll ever use Metro again.

[Jim Nilsen]

Be happy with the tight fit because the alternative is a leaking car.

It is sad and will seemingly never change, the manufactures of the aftermarket weatherstrip obviously are having troubles getting the same formula that the OEM seals are made from. Why? Who knows?

I have seen people take down the seals with a grinder to make them smaller and easier to close. It looks like heck but it does work.

It is a shame when they all come out twith the new advertising of the new and improved and it still has the same problem.

You will be seeing/hearing the door slammed on my car too!

[Rybar]

I have the same problem and used OER weatherstripping. I noticed cars that have more original sheet metal have doors that open/close so much nicer. Maybe it's just panel alignment when you replace with repro body panels?

[Vegas69]

Yeah, it's just part of old technology. My passenger door closes like butter but doesn't open great. The drivers opens easy but closes harder. I'm not to concerned with it and it's all GM stuff.

[another69]

Original GM stuff here too. The design is pretty crappy compared with newer cars, but still- these doors weren't closing like this back in the 60's, were they? Maybe I need to find NOS seals.

I don't want to live with this if I don't have to. Details like this make the car much more enjoyable to drive. We upgrade everything else, why not something we use every time we get behind the wheel? I see alot of really high end builds out there- I wonder what they do?

[Later-A-body]

I have the same issue with my car, and have had the repro seals installed for 6 years. I have to slam the doors on both sides especially when the windows are up. I have learned to accept it as well.

[Chad-1stGen]

I had this same problem on the drivers side. Switched to the regular metro soft seal stuff and it solved the problem for me.

[MrQuick]

are you guys using aftermarket door jam vents? The doors should shut the same windows opened or closed if they a working properly.


vince

[MuscleRodz]

Do the doors drop when you open them and have good gaps when you shut them?

[another69]

The doors don't drop, and the gap is OK, but mainly, the door closes perfect without any weatherstripping, so I know there's no metal-metal contact or other clearance problems.

[DoABarrelRoll]

You can use silicone oil (I think it was silicone oil) to help speed up the break in of the weather stripping.

[cheapthrillz]

You could try rolling the window down an inch or so and then shut the door.... then roll the window back up.... if that works, I'd just try to get in the habbit of doing that. Just be happy you HAVE weather stripping! My Gal has none.... well, it has the remains of what used to be weather stripping.


Of course, this only applies if you are getting into the car.... lol

[Nessumsar]

I would make sure your strikers are in good shape, and I would take the door panel off and lube all of the pivot points of the latch.

I know it has been asked, but are you sure the door pins aren't worn? My driver door requires much more force to close because it's pins have more wear.

[another69]

The doors close perfect without the weatherstripping.
I spoke with metro- they said the original was latex, but for some reason it can't be made anymore and doesn't last.
I put the old stuff back on, it was in ok shape and left the ratchet strap on for a week, muck better, but still a little stiff.
Metro was very helpful and said they would send another set that was "smaller", but I have not seen it yet.
I feel beaten- my whole car build has been rewarding ( and I've done alot) but the weatherstripping has won over me every time i try and tackle it. Oh well, maybe next time!

[67greengt]

My two cents:

My dad and I just finished a 70 mach 1 and before we put the door panels on we made sure there was lots of dynamat on the inside of the doors - adds weight and results in a sharp "thud" the new cars have when you close the doors.

[Chad-1stGen]

I like the metro stuff as it solved the same problem you are having for me on my drivers side door.

Regarding the latex though I believe classic industries has latex door weatherstripping available.

[elitecustombody]

my 69 bird doors shut better than on my 98 Supra,lol ,I mean I have yet to see 40+ year old car's doors open and close that good,I think because it has the OEM weatherstripping ,but literally it takes absolutely no effort to shut or open the doors