Leaks around the door

[sdiddy]

Hello all,

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 63 Safari and noticed that I have some wet wood around the door when it rains or snows. Since I'm rebuilding, I've pulled up the tile around the door. The wet spot is largest in the middle of the door and tapers off around the edges. I havn't done anything regarding sealing the door area. I would appreciate some of you Airstream repair guru's to suggest how to fix the leak and tell me where the leak is coming from.

Thanks
Steve

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by sdiddy

Hello all,

I'm in the process of rebuilding a 63 Safari and noticed that I have some wet wood around the door when it rains or snows. Since I'm rebuilding, I've pulled up the tile around the door. The wet spot is largest in the middle of the door and tapers off around the edges. I havn't done anything regarding sealing the door area. I would appreciate some of you Airstream repair guru's to suggest how to fix the leak and tell me where the leak is coming from.

Thanks
Steve

There are four reasons that cause the door to leak.

1. The metal framing extrusions have become loose in time.

2. The door has flown open at some point and is warped.

3. The gaskets are shot.

4. The door lock and/or striker plate is worn out or not adjusted correctly.

Andy

[sdiddy]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

There are four reasons that cause the door to leak.

1. The metal framing extrusions have become loose in time.

2. The door has flown open at some point and is warped.

3. The gaskets are shot.

4. The door lock and/or striker plate is worn out or not adjusted correctly.

Andy

Thanks for the causes Andy. So, I'm assuming that the fixes for each one are

1. For loose metal extrusions, drill out the rivets and put in new rivets.

2. I have no idea how to straighten a warped door, so this may mean replacement of the door.

3. Replace the gaskets, which needs to be done on my Airstream due to the age. This is the simplest solution.

4. Replace or readjust the door lock and or strike plate. I bet this fix also depends on availability of parts too.

Do I have the fixes somewhat correct?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by sdiddy

Thanks for the causes Andy. So, I'm assuming that the fixes for each one are

1. For loose metal extrusions, drill out the rivets and put in new rivets.

2. I have no idea how to straighten a warped door, so this may mean replacement of the door.

3. Replace the gaskets, which needs to be done on my Airstream due to the age. This is the simplest solution.

4. Replace or readjust the door lock and or strike plate. I bet this fix also depends on availability of parts too.

Do I have the fixes somewhat correct?

Installation new rivets in enlarged holes won't solve anything.

You must drill new holes, fill them, and then and only then, install rivets in the old holes.

Straightening a warped door is simply matching the contour of the door to the shell. Forget about a new door, unless you bring us the trailer. We have all the remaining extrusions that were used to make your door, but the doors must be made to fit your trailer. Making a door on another trailer and then attempting to install it on your trailer has about one in a thousand chances of fitting correctly.

New style door locks are available along with adapter plates.

Andy

[sdiddy]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Installation new rivets in enlarged holes won't solve anything.

You must drill new holes, fill them, and then and only then, install rivets in the old holes.

Straightening a warped door is simply matching the contour of the door to the shell. Forget about a new door, unless you bring us the trailer. We have all the remaining extrusions that were used to make your door, but the doors must be made to fit your trailer. Making a door on another trailer and then attempting to install it on your trailer has about one in a thousand chances of fitting correctly.

New style door locks are available along with adapter plates.

Andy

Do you mean fill the old hole and redrill new holes in different locations? WHat do you use to fill the holes?

I really appreciate your knowledge on the subject.

S

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by sdiddy

Do you mean fill the old hole and redrill new holes in different locations? WHat do you use to fill the holes?

I really appreciate your knowledge on the subject.

S

No no.

Make new holes in different locations first, and only use them.

Then when the door is finished and fits correctly, then and only then fill the "old" holes.

Some rivets in the old holes may even be loose. It won't matter since you locked in the shape with the new rivets in the new holes.

Filling the old holes at that point, is strictly cosmetic.

Andy