Shrinking Van?

[Gagakev]

Had cause to go in the van a couple of days ago and when I went to lock the van the door wouldnt close properly, the catch only goes on the first latching part, the rubbers are quite supple and not hard due to cold.
Question is has the van/bodywork shrunk in the lower temperture albeit still mild.
It is only a couple of millimetre's, can I adjust the lock in any way. The catch on the door frame is pop riveted in place so no adjustment there.
Will it put it self right at a later date, but concerned about this for obvious security reasons.
Any help appreciated, many thanks

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Had similar problem a year or two back, it wasn't the van side but the door had moved on its hinges marginally , allowing the door to sag slightly. I found that on one of the hinges screws had loosened enough to cause it. Tightened the screws to pull the hinges in and my problem was solved. Don't try to over tighten them though. It may be a starting point for you.

 

[Sproket]

Has the wind caught & blown the door back to the van it could stretch the hinge ?

I have always had to press the door and put a bit of pressure on before it I turn the key on mine.
But now thinking about it, it is easier when the weather is warmer ......

 

[Gagakev]

Had similar problem a year or two back, it wasn't the van side but the door had moved on its hinges marginally , allowing the door to sag slightly. I found that on one of the hinges screws had loosened enough to cause it. Tightened the screws to pull the hinges in and my problem was solved. Don't try to over tighten them though. It may be a starting point for you.

Thanks Gabsgrandad, will take a look tomorrow, never thought of the hinges.

 

[Gagakev]

Has the wind caught & blown the door back to the van it could stretch the hinge ?

I have always had to press the door and put a bit of pressure on before it I turn the key on mine.
But now thinking about it, it is easier when the weather is warmer ......

Cant recall any wind, like wise I have always had to put a bit of pressure on, so much so that it sticks and I can struggle to get it open sometimes. (need to put the talc on the rubbers one day)
Thanks for your input Sprocket

 

[Sproket]

Has the wind caught & blown the door back to the van it could stretch the hinge ?

I have always had to press the door and put a bit of pressure on before it I turn the key on mine.
But now thinking about it, it is easier when the weather is warmer ......

(need to put the talc on the rubbers one day)

Never used talc but i have always used Silicone Grease on all of the window & door rubbers

 

[forestgump]

aways use talc and not had any probblems stops sticky doors.

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Again, just an update, had a look today and hinges OK so turned my attention back to the lock itself.

The lock was actually movable the screws behind the plastic cover strip had worked loose so the lock would go back and forth, so removed the cover strip see photo below

The screws must have loosened due to the vibration of the van, but just one more question for you, I was able to tighten the two screws you can see and seem to have done the trick but the two behind the red and green covers (on right) pose another problem how do you get the little covers off without damaging them, tried priseing them out with precision screwdriver without success.

 

[forestgump]

you may find that if you dont set the indoor lever to middle when you shut it sime times dose not shut or the need to slam this can forcemovment .

 

[Parksy]

Hi Kev
I had to remove my Hartal lock when it became stiff and difficult to turn the key, and I gently prised the red / green screw covers out by using the point of a Stanley knife blade.

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Kev
I had to remove my Hartal lock when it became stiff and difficult to turn the key, and I gently prised the red / green screw covers out by using the point of a Stanley knife blade.

Thanks Parksy, will have a go, cheers

 

[forestgump]

you may need to strip down lock this may need the cer clip removed and barrel out this will need a good dose of vasaline this done it for me any one says dont use vasaline will rise from from the wood work.