Convertible : Chassis Strength : Advice / info. requested!

[Owen]

Through a thread started in general discussion I have begun to realise that I, along with my '65 converted convertible have problems. It seems that I have very little structural strength left in my chassis. I have taken this idea from someone else who has considered the evidence below. Would you take a look & respond with your thoughts & ideas!? Many thanks!!

At first glance, it comes down to the doors. They just won't shut properly. Even with a huge amount of force, both doors refuse to sut completely. It seems they are being squeezed & pinched by the door frame, the front wings, & the windscreen. Inspecting the hinges reveals no obvious clues as the doors feel solid & secure, with no play at all. It seems that the shape of the car around the doors has changed to such an extent that they will not shut properly.

The irony of this situation is that they won't stay shut either. By this I mean, under normal acceleration the doors will often pop open. Now given that they only close onto the latchI can understand they are prone to moving around, but these doors open fully! Swinging into the road without notice & with terrifying force.

This situation alone has got me concerned. However, given that I could not check for movement between the door post & frame when driving - as advised by this site's buying guide, I devised my own test to replace it. The results were startling. We are all familiar with the ridge that runs from gearbox to back seat that holds the hand brake & divides the passenger foot well. Standing on that and jumping up & down, small jumps each time, like I was skipping rope, I noticed the door post & frames moving relative to each other. To such an extent the driver side door sprung open!? I repeated this several times to similar results.

To reiterate, my doors won't shut but will open by themselves. Also, my door posts & frames move relative to each other under the jump test, and presumably under normal driving conditions.

What, then, does this tell me about the structural stength of my convertible? How can I interpret this evidence? What kind of work would it need to rectify it, is it high risk, & can it be done simply!? What are the costs involved in effecting the 'perfect' repair? Can it be done cheaply by patch welding?

I would be most gratefull & enlightened by any advice!

With my thanks in advance, Owen.

[Willie]

OWEN,, I think you have had your answers under your other heading.
Your car is lethal and the fact that the doors both will not shut AND
open themselves when the car is moving confirm this fact. The sills
on a converible cannot be 'patched up'. It is vital that they are
properly and totally rebuilt. Together with the fact that you will
undoubtedly need many other new sections you need to give it some
serious thought.

[Owen]

Willie : I have sent you a personal message to convey my thanks, to you, for such clear and reasoned advice.

[Kevin]

What, then, does this tell me about the structural stength of my convertible? How can I interpret this evidence?

OWEN,, I think you have had your answers under your other heading.
Your car is lethal

Have to agree with Willie Im afraid

is it high risk

Yes

can it be done simply!?

No

[chickenjohn]

Owen, did you remove the stainless steel kick plates and have a look at the inside of the sill before purchasing the car???

This is the shiny panel below the door. Its held on with 5 bolts at the bottom flange and five (or 6) screws along the top. Removal of said item will enable inspection of the interior if the sill structure.

If its all brown and flakey, then you can either :-

1. give the car to someone keen to restore it.
2. Cut it up and sell all the good parts (mechanics, hood, interior, engine, any decent exterior panels).

[Kevin]

did you remove the stainless steel kick plates

These are an after market extra as the standard ones are plain steel.