Driver's side door handle

kinchu · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 12:07 AM

Hello! I'm new to the forum and would like some advice. I have a '74 GTV 2000 and have always had trouble with the driver's side door not working right. I believe this is a common problem but have not yet found a good solution. Does anyone here have a "final" fix for the problem? Maybe a way to strengthen the handle or something? Sorry I might be sounding like a newb but I had to find a way to break into this forum right? Thanks in advance for any replies.

Damo105 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 01:41 AM

I'm having the same problem, and it seems there are two pretty common problems with GTV doors....

They're a pretty heavy door and tend to drop as the hinges age, but I believe this can usually be rectified by renewing the hinges with a hinge kit (available pretty easily) and refitting the doors, taking time to get the subtle adjustments right so they sit flush. Probably the job for someone who's done it before.

Secondly, the door handles are basically a s*** design, and the very action of opening the door causes stress on the door skin, often resulting in panel damage around the handle. On my car, the backing of the handle is actually pressing through the doorskin.

It's been recommended to me that the best solution is (when repairing the door) to reinforce the doorskin around the handle with a backing piece, so the skin is essentially double thickness.

But I'm still a novice, so don't take what I say as gospel!

Damien

Damo105 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 01:42 AM

PS....welcome to the forum, it rocks!

Croz · #4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 01:51 AM

Damo, When I was carrying out my resto I did exactly that. I re-enforced the inner door skin with sheet metal to make it double thickness. The result was perfect and I have never had an issue since, 8 years later.

kinchu · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 02:28 AM

Thanks for the reply. Hmmm...add sheet metal eh? So do you guys have a comperehsive guide for how to do this? I don't mind getting dirty, and since my car is gutted anyway I can get to the inner door pretty easily. Pics would be great...I'm highly visual.

**papajam** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 05:06 AM

Welcome to the Board, kinchu!

What exactly is door (or handle) doing or not doing?
The 'apparent' door handle/door skin 'problems' I had on my first GTV were virtually eliminated by modifying the way I used the handle. I used to put four fingers under the handle and pull up. This stressed the handle and the skin. I now put four fingers under the handle, thumb on top of the handle and squeeze. With everything properly adjusted, the door should pop open about an inch or so all by itself.

Damo105 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinchu

Thanks for the reply. Hmmm...add sheet metal eh? So do you guys have a comperehsive guide for how to do this? I don't mind getting dirty, and since my car is gutted anyway I can get to the inner door pretty easily. Pics would be great...I'm highly visual.

kinchu · #8 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 03:12 PM

I think I found the problem...will post pics tonight.

kinchu · #9 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 12:46 AM

I think the handle itself is not operating properly. The latch pulled all the way up just doesn't move the catch far enough to release the door. Look at the pics below (I haven't had time to take the door panel off to inspect the handle itself):

I guess I'll know more soon.

**papajam** · #10 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 05:16 AM

Aah! Two thoughts come to mind. Either the adjustment bolt on the end of the release lever has backed itself off or the release lever, which is part of the doorhandle, has broken.

bill2000 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 08:37 PM

I've just gone down this same road. In my case there is too much play in the handle hinges which allow the moving part to lift up and rub against the stationary part and which means it doesn't depress the latch far enough. I've adjusted the bolt all the way but it didn't cure my problem. So, I drilled out one of the hinges and replaced it with a spring pin. It tightened it somewhat but not enough. Finally I broke down and bought a new one (to be installed tomorrow).

Bill

Alleggerita · #12 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 10:25 AM

With regard to easy closing on a GT door, apart from the hinges and lock and their proper adjustment on the door posts, is the adjustment of the window angle and height. If there is too much pressure on the seal, the door will not close. However, if there is insufficient seal contact, you will get wind noise.

For practical intents and purposes, the door closes much easier usually if the window is just lowered a bit. Unless you are parking in the rain this usually does the trick and avoids fiddling for hours to get it perfect - and if it is likely to rain or you are going to wash your car you can always shut the door with more force.

kinchu · #13 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alleggerita

With regard to easy closing on a GT door, apart from the hinges and lock and their proper adjustment on the door posts, is the adjustment of the window angle and height. If there is too much pressure on the seal, the door will not close. However, if there is insufficient seal contact, you will get wind noise.

For practical intents and purposes, the door closes much easier usually if the window is just lowered a bit. Unless you are parking in the rain this usually does the trick and avoids fiddling for hours to get it perfect - and if it is likely to rain or you are going to wash your car you can always shut the door with more force.