door out of alignment-won't close

[JimChandler]

I have a '98 34foof airstream classic excella 1000. My door is out of alignment and will not close. The hinges are tight, however, the gap in edge of the door is greater at the top than the bottom. The alignment pin for the door closer is approximately 1/4 inch off, making it impossible to close the door. Is there a way to adjust the hinges or the door closer mechanism? Any help out there is appreciated. I can't travel until is can close the door.

[cooperhawk]

Okay, nobody wants to stick their neck out. So I will. I have watched the Airstream Dealer use a block of wood and warp the door to fit. Now, I haven't tried it myself, but I think that's what they will do if you go to them. He put a piece of 2x4 where the door was warped in and then pushed on the end that was warped out.

No guarentees. Good luck!

[bobchevy89]

Originally Posted by cooperhawk

Okay, nobody wants to stick their neck out. So I will. I have watched the Airstream Dealer use a block of wood and warp the door to fit. Now, I haven't tried it myself, but I think that's what they will do if you go to them. He put a piece of 2x4 where the door was warped in and then pushed on the end that was warped out.

No guarentees. Good luck!

I've done it on mine ,and it worked

[str8strm]

Used a hard plastic washer cut in half, lifted the door and shimmed it in at the bottom of the hinge----worked like a charm-------not my original idea, a few folks have posted about it and it works

[nohillgrish]

Had the same problem when I purchased my '87 Excella. Seller had tried to disguise it (and did a good job of it) with a lot of rubber molding material. Door was difficult to open, but I didn't put two and two together at the time. Anyway, I lived with it for awhile and then decided to order a new door. Went to the dealer in Searcy, Arkansas to do so. In the course of discussing with the fellow at the parts counter, a technician overheard our conversation and asked to take a look at it. After telling me all the bad things that could happen, he offered to give it a whirl if I was willing to take a chance. As I had went there to order a new door anyway, I didn't feel I had anything to lose. As Cooperhawk and bobchevy89 have already stated, two technicians but blocks in strategic places and pulled on the door so hard I thought the trailer would turn over or they would pull the hinges off. Well, neither happened and they fixed my door. Not exactly perfect, but with just a little rubber molding I now have a door that fits tight and opens and closes easily. Needless to say, I was extremely grateful for the "extra mile" the technicians of this dealership took and was impressed with the professionalism of the entire staff. After seeing the torque placed on the door with no damage whatsoever, I am more sold on the quality of Airstreams than ever. Good luck on your fix.