Door frame question

zimmy · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2003, 06:26 PM

Bill;

How are you? I've got a quick question concerning my Contemporary.

The door latch that is attached to the passenger side door opening is getting a bit loose. The fiberglass has also cracked a bit under the latch. Here is the question:

What is behind the fiberglass under the latch? Is there a steel hoop or something? The screws holding the latch seem to have been shortened so that they are only in the fiberglass. Can I drill into the structure a little bit more to put in a longer and stronger screw so I can pull the latch in tight to the frame?

Thanks, Bill.

Corey Zimmerman

CoupeBill · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 07:09 PM

Zimmy, sorry for the delay in getting back to you!!!! Under the glass you will find a steel flat plate that is bonded into the fiberglass then drilled and tapped to accept the machine screws. If this area is breaking apart, I recommed you take a small coarse bit dremel tool and remove all loose glass then rough up the remaining good glass in this area. Use JB Weld epoxy in this area to strengthen and fill voids. Retap the machine screws if necessary. This should do the trick.

All the Best!
Bill Connelly
Upstate Super Replicars, Inc.
427cobra@compuserve.com
www.daytona-coupe.com

zimmy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 10:43 PM

Thanks, Bill. Long since repaired.

How are things with you?

I am about to receive my newly rebuild engine. Stroked to 454 with 10.5:1 compression and roller rockers, etc. Should be just the ticket to get my Webers running at their peak. I'll let you know how it comes out.

Talk to you soon.

Regards:

Corey

KobraKarl · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 11:02 PM

Bill,
I also had this problem show up this summer.....the steel plate itself pulled out with a lot of the surrounding resin. Is JB weld the best?? I hate to ask the Corvette guys..

Zimmy, what did you end up using ?

KK

zimmy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 11:12 PM

Karl:

I was able to drill a bit deeper through the screw hole for more back clearance. I then was able to rethread the holes and use new longer screws. Worked out well. My plate never got loose, just the threads from too short screws.

KobraKarl · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2003, 11:44 PM

Zimmy , lucky for you!, mine is going to be a bit more of a project.

what year is your Contemporary?

KK

zimmy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2003, 01:10 AM

Karl:

It was built in 1991. It has a 427 Center Oiler that I just had rebuilt to a stroked 454 with roller rockers, aluminum heads, big valves, aluminum flywheel and 10.5:1 compression. It has 48 IDA Webers also. Engine to be re-installed in about 3 weeks. Can't wait to get back on the road. I have been idle since May.