I'm just finding out about my new car -all the things the previous owner had got used to and probably didn't think twice about. I've already asked about the autobox today. I washed the car and hadn't noticed this previously - the driver's door where it meets the front wing seems to have a very slightly bigger gap than the passenger's door. It seems to be very slightly 'pushed in'. There is no sign as far as I can see of any accident damage at all. Is this 'normal' - I mean for both doors to have very slight differences in panel gaps, or does it indicate accident damage. I had a good look at the car, in the engine bay to that side, at the door hinges and couldn't see anything untoward. I can't remember what my old zed was like. Every other panel on the car seems fine - does it look OK and am I worrying about nothing?

 

 

 

What do you think?

funny, mines exactly the same Rich. Often worried about accident damage too, but as you said every other panel is 100%. Maybe it's just showing it's age. surely it can be adjusted though. Anyone?

if it had accident damage you'd see some kind of tell tale sign on close inspection so i would'nt worry. Before you start playing with it i'd look if the door mounting hinge bolts look like they've moved. If not, leave them cause once you move them it will look like there's been damage to the next owner. If they have moved you should be able to see where they were originally.

 

If the door opens and closes OK, and the bolts look untouched - leave em alone. IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DONT FIX IT!

:D Rich that looks larvly mate, will have to pop over to Leam one night fella :D

does this help? http://www.ttzd.com/tech/dooraligntech.html

 

Vijay

does this help? http://www.ttzd.com/tech/dooraligntech.html

 

Vijay

 

Cheers Vijay, but the link refers to doors sagging on opening/closing. I've no probs there. But I Think a look at the hinges might be a start anyway.

Cheers Vijay, but the link refers to doors sagging on opening/closing. I've no probs there. But I Think a look at the hinges might be a start anyway.

Same here - it's not a mojor problem, I think from looking at the pictures you can tell it's not bad but I just was thinking about the old zed and thought it definately had even gaps both doors. Like I said though I can't see any evidence at all of damage repair. It's almost like the front of the door has been 'gently' pressed in, rather than whacked anyway.

 

Maybe I should do like Chris (tvrdb03 - previous owner) says and relax, drive the car and don't worry about it. I just like to know everything I can about the car, know it's response, know what's wrong/right with it, etc.

I went to get a quote today from the body shop my last car went to (I trust them!) and the guy said the front wing had at some point been off. He pointed out a few imperfect spots I had not noticed too. He said the only way to sort it out properly would be to have the doors painted and the wing refitted, so he gave me a quote to paint the two sides and said he would do the back too for the same price, so I am well happy - it's going in next Monday, and it should be done by the end of the week. I know the work they do and I know it's going to come out looking pristine.

 

I know a twelve year old car cannot be perfect, but this will make it that much closer - first thing off my list (and no money left...)

Where are ypu getting the work done - I'm looking for a trusted bodyshop who won't charge me the earth.

 

Cheers

Where are ypu getting the work done - I'm looking for a trusted bodyshop who won't charge me the earth.

 

Cheers

 

Can you also let me know the bodyshops name.....

I know a lot of people who travel a long way to bodyshops that specialise in 300s and I would say they are the masters and would be recomended by endless people on here.

 

I chose XL Accident Repair in Coventry because they have done work for me before and I felt it was exceptional. I like the guys who run it, I think they know what they are talking about and they have always gone out their way to help me get the car the way I wanted it. The paintwork and repair that I have had done by them before has been (to my eye) faultless - as good as the day it come out the factory, the colour matching was perfect - and they are local to me. I don't think they are the cheapest in the world, but I am very happy leaving the car with them. I think there are folk on here who know 300s very, very well, but I am going for the guys I know and I am sure their job will be just as good as in the past.

This is very common. Its not the door thats out of line, its the front wing. Its been pushed outwards, from being jacked up in the wrong place on the sills.

 

Check the sill where the wing is bolted to underneath. You may be able to just undo the two bolts, move the wing and retighten.

Funny - I have exactly the same thing! I was wondering if it was down to incorrect jacking on the sills (not by me I hasten to add!) and somehow pushing the wing out. Thought I read a thread somewhere on here, where the AA jacked someones car up, and the wing fell off!

Was just thinking the same myself, especially if it's been lowered, a bugger to reach a jacking point !!

This is very common. Its not the door thats out of line, its the front wing. Its been pushed outwards, from being jacked up in the wrong place on the sills.

 

Check the sill where the wing is bolted to underneath. You may be able to just undo the two bolts, move the wing and retighten.

 

 

spot on bud !! normal cause i believe !!

Yeah sills jack up etc. I reckon that's what it is :-D

Did I take 4 mins to type that?

Yes - that looks like it's the problem. I'll have to have a proper look in the morning. Cheers.