In a message dated 12/24/2001 9:05:11 PM Pacific Standard Time,
peterz@zutrasoft.com writes:
> As I've not yet received my kit yet, I suspect that any suggestion I make
> may not be applicable.... so I apologize in advance if I'm wasting
> bandwidth. (day-dreaming is fun tho :-)
>
> With the above in mind..... If I understand the problem correctly, the
> door
> flexes and creeps over time in the closed position because of the strut
> loading. Would it not be possible to modify the ball-joint (assumption) on
> the door attach to have some free play, and then mount a metal "ramp
> bracket" on the fuse rebate just above the ball-joint when the door is in
> the closed position? The theory would be that when the door is closed the
> last few inches the "ramp-bracket" would contact the strut-end ball-joint,
> compress the strut a couple of mm's and unload the door. The tolerances
> would have to be tight however, as determined by the amount of added
> free-play in the modified ball-joint (you wouldn't want to jam the door
> frame in the opposite direction). The ramp angle would obviously have to be
> such as to not present undue resistance to the closing of the door (pushing
> outward on the door frame and negating any benefit), yet be effective over
> the small contact travel distance (perpendicular to the surface of the
> fuse)
> of the ball-joint. Apologies if my verbal picture is poorly worded.
>
> If successful, all the strut compression loads would be carried entirely by
> the fuse rebate (which I assumer from its shape and "roll-over" function
> that it would be stronger than the door).
>
> Feasible?
>
> Sort'a like the automotive windshield wiper blade arm parking ramp on some
> cars which lift the blade off the windshield when the wipers are parked to
> avoid the rubber being set in a tilted position (resulting in that
> irritating blade 'chatter').
>
> Just thought I'd float the idea.....
>
> Cheers & Happy Holidays!
> Pete A239
Pete,
I like this idea-it sounds to me like it just might work. If I have the
problem described by many, I will look into it. As long as it doesn't cause
an operational problem getting the door open -- a safety problem -- it should
work!
Dave
A227
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