Door beams

[Mr Locust]

Whilst working in the driver's footwell with the door open, the door has dropped significantly and will no longer close. It now won't open fully either.



Assuming that the door beam is toast, are there any specific gotchas to be wary of when stripping down or refurb threads on the forum which I missed when searching?

Presumably the usual suppliers carry replacements?

[amarshall]

There have been some reports of quality issues with beams recently supplied.

http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... =14&t=9680

[DavidOliver]

I have recently opened up the passenger door panel to fix a lift motor which turned out to be damaged window frame vertical runners.
While checking the door beams I was surprised at the terrible design which obviously collects water and therefore rust.
A new door beam could do with extra paint, and drainage/aeration holes drilled on the underside through which a spray paint can paint the beam internally. The beams are very strong, designed more for side impact than door support and holes do not reduce the beam integrity.

Dave the cog

[Jason.goad]

I know where are coming from, Lotus could have galvanised or better rustproofed the door beams, but your car is over 30 years old now. Wonder how many Ford Escorts of that age are doing now?
Would prefer new ones to be better rust proofed, they should be able to last another 30+ years.

[Mr Locust]

Thanks for the replies. Not had a chance to strip the door yet but the feedback is making me more open minded about possible repair rather than assuming replacement.

[DavidOliver]

I suggest for any budding door beam fixers that before you dismantle anything that you measure the current position of the door in the car body and mark window frame positions relative to the body. You will probably want to adjust the door position but it is most unlikely you need to change the window frame body position.
Also consider obtaining door frame runner trim, window weather seal, door body rubber seal, soundproofing, and a bag of new bolts and screws. ( Woolies Trim seems a good start).
Just a suggestion.

Dave the cog.