Guys’ n Gals,
After over a year gleaning seemingly endless useful information on this awesome forum this is my first post. Please treat me gently.
Like many I find the road noise and tinny, hollow sound on shutting the doors an annoyance, especially considering the cost of these vehicles.
I bought the x8r seals ready to fit to my Kombi and referred to their website instructions and video, other YouTube videos and t6f regarding fitting.
I discovered and read all of the four different threads on this site.
Many have had issues with closing the driver’s door after fitting the secondary seals, noting the door ‘bouncing’ open unless slammed shut. Some have suggested re-siting the seals. Some suppliers provide alternate siting instructions and pictures.
I spent some time looking around the door and ‘reveal’.
The way the door step curves up and in it would appear raising the seal siting from the very bottom of the door could allow the door to close more easily, but would not provide as good a water, grime, draught or road noise seal.
I also wonder whether siting the seal down the rear edge of the door onto the second step in could also be allowing a less airtight seal in order for the door to close more easily?
Owners of Californias or Caravelles have noted correct factory fitted siting of the seals and Insert Coin also mentioned a panel in the driver’s door.
I decided to check a friend’s California.
Please (hopefully) see the pics below.
These show not only factory siting of the driver’s door seal, but also, as per Insert Coin, a vent at the bottom rear of the door.
I also noticed Pauly’s post on the first page of this thread showing a line drawing of the parts of a Caravelle door. The vent appears (part no. 8), but strangely, on a left hand door that does not have the cutout for the fuel filler cap.
I’m wondering whether this vent is to release the build up of air pressure at the bottom and rear of the door between the inner and outer seals as the door is shut.
I would appreciate members thoughts and, if this could be the cause of the problem, whether it may be possible to retrofit the vent, or an alternative.
Thanks, Andy