Door closing concern

[Fifi1981]

Greetings all,

I have a problem with the drivers side door. I have to put in a little "umph" to close it because the window hits the mini window. It's not a direct collision if you will. The windows look to be in their normal position when the door is closed. It's as if the convertible frame has migrated forward slightly.

Any ideas?

[rlux4]

Do you mean the little (vent) window frame is hitting the windshield frame?

[ventura ace]

Door sagging?
Did you recently change something?
There are adjustments you can make for the door fit, the front vent window fit, the roll up window fit, and the convertible top fit. You really need to survey the whole picture to see where to start. It might be easiest to try one adjustment of the convertible top fit, especially if your top may be a little loose: the top side bar has a few screws that you can loosen and extend or shorten the reach. Try extending the reach, which should make the rear side window pivot backwards slightly.

Alvon

[Fifi1981]

I should have included that I'm not too mechanically inclined. Anyway, yes, it's the window that is a part of the convertible top. I have not done any work on the car, but I am looking to change that very soon.

The door sags very little but it might be just enough. I lift on the door, but it moves very little. The top fits nicely, pretty snug. Now will bad weather stripping be a factor here? I definitely need to address this. As far as making adjustments, is there a specific procedure? Or do I just go by trial and error?

Thanks Ace

[ventura ace]

Yes, there is a vertical piece of chrome trim with weatherstrip that could be the problem. It's held on by 2 screws if I remember correctly. Check to see if it is fastened tight --- and maybe there is some adjustment in it (I don't remember). Is that what the glass is hitting?

A

[So Cal Mark]

my bet is that the door is cracked around the upper hinge mount. Close the door to the point it starts to contact the striker without closing it tightly or latching it. Then compare the body lines nn the door and fender. If they don't match, the door is sagging

[Fifi1981]

my bet is that the door is cracked around the upper hinge mount. Close the door to the point it starts to contact the striker without closing it tightly or latching it. Then compare the body lines nn the door and fender. If they don't match, the door is sagging

I doubt that is the problem as the door closes very nicely, but I will definitely look into it. Although when I think about it, the door does seem to move a little at the top hinge when I check it.

Yes, there is a vertical piece of chrome trim with weatherstrip that could be the problem. It's held on by 2 screws if I remember correctly. Check to see if it is fastened tight --- and maybe there is some adjustment in it (I don't remember). Is that what the glass is hitting?

The chrome strip is what the window is hitting. You can tell where the window hits it, on the front side of the strip.

[Danno]

Mine currently does the exact same thing. There is adjustment for this, and I don't remember what it is. One vendor has good top installation directions, and hidden within those are the details for making this adjustment. If someone remembers what dealer it is, please post!

[htchevyii]

http://www.fiatplus.com/members/tech200.htm

[Jazgeek]

I recall when I was looking for my car that I was told by a fiat mechanic to look for sagging cars and the way you could tell was by looking at the crack along the bottom of the door. I'd hate for your car to have that problem, but I guess you should at least look to see if it's still true.

[Danno]

http://www.fiatplus.com/members/tech200.htm

yes, thats it! Although, upon rereading it, my memory was bad because it doesn't actually tell you how to make that adjustment.

[Fifi1981]

Thanks for the help everyone. I fixed the problem. I made the adjustment near the front of the top on the bracket near the latches. I just hope everything else goes that smoothly! I say that because I have taken the first step into restoring the interior a bit. you'll hear about that for sure.

[So Cal Mark]

congrats on the repair, I'm glad to hear the door isn't cracked

[Fifi1981]

I'm glad to hear the door isn't cracked

Well, don't pop that champagne just yet. I have just started an interior restoration endeavor and the doors will get exploratory surgery for sure since I don't know that the doors will not need attention for sure.

Speaking of which, Mark, I will be asking for info over some time. Mainly dealing with interior, but as you know, electrical, custom stuff, and cosmetics will be involved. As of right now, the radio and center console are out, and am looking to replace the carpet during the process. I have all new rigid plastic radio and center console replacements and carpet standing by along with a dash cap. Any advice on where to start on the site?

Thanks,

"Fifi"

[Torxx]

Glad you got the door closing issue fixed. For other readers sake ...

Both of my doors didn't close very well. It turned out that the windshield needed a little adjusting. There are 2 allen head bolts on each side that can be loosened and the window angle can be adjusted. I did not do it myself, so I don't know more taht that. My doors work great now.