All the doors I have seen are glass, including mine (kit 175). Very early-on
there was talk of them being carbon.
I reinforced the inside top corner of mine with a single ply of carbon. But
the gas struts still push the corner out over time; exacerbated by warm
weather. Print-through of the reinforcing also becomes visible in the outer
surface. However, removing the gas strut enables the door to slowly return
to shape.
I had in mind trying latching stays (available from Europa Automotive in
Burton), which would not preload the door; although they would be less of a
convenience to use. The automatic types might be prone to disengaging an
open door in gusty weather.
Duncan mcFadyean
----- Original Message -----
From: "Graham Singleton" <grasingleton@avnet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Door strut question
> >Jim,
> >
> >I guess I don't quite understand the problem you are referring to. The
> >door seems to function quite well. IS there a long term problem with the
> >factory installation?
> >
> >
> >Dave
>
> Dave,
> The problem is with time and hot weather the rear upper corner of the door
> tends to lift away from the fuselage. We spent hours filling and sanding
to
> get a perfect fit. Within 6 months the back edge had lifted by 1/8th of an
> inch.
> IMHO I am wondering if it is the fuselage that flexes and takes a
permanent
> set rather than the doors. Increasing the stiffness at the notional door
> frame bulkhead might help. Does anyone know if the doors still have carbon
> reinforcement?
>
> Graham
>
>
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