Hiya...
As described in two very long and old threads ('think I've seen the last of my car' 1 and 2), I've had my polo back for about 6 weeks now. Initially (3rd time I rejected it) the driver's door hadn't been refitted properly so it wouldn't always open from the inside and was chipping away paint in the bottom corner of the frame. They fixed it, but subsequently scratched the door and had to take it off again to respray.
The door seemed fine when I finally accepted the car back at the beginning of November, but within a couple of weeks it was up to its old tricks again and I mentioned this to the area manager for the insurance company, who said it sounded like an intermittent fault but that if it got any worse I shouldn't be worried about taking it back to the bodyshop, even though the manager had been so rude and aggressive to me.
It has got a bit worse, in that the door fails every day or so...and the paint is being chipped off again. But I really don't want to take it back there again because they will either scratch or damage my car deliberately or through incompetence.
I know with kitchen cupboards (bear with me!), you can adjust the doors slightly if they don't quite fit, and wonder if the same applies to Polos? Is it some screw that I could just adjust myself or does it really need to be taken to a professional? If so (because I'm not taking it back there), how much should I be looking at just to adjust a door?
Thank you!
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Would think your problem is hinge pins.They are normaly either solid or spring steel tubes inserted in the joints of hinge to join together.If either has been damaged this will cause the door to sag.and will cause your problem.You would be well advised to send it back to the repairer`s to correct.Being an insurance job you will from what you have said have full backing from ins/co.Don`t be intimidated by the garage just keep complaining untill it`s put right.I have had the same problem several years ago with a carlton went back much to their annoyance 5 times they got it right in the end.let me know
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Sorry, I don't know the setup of the hinges on a Polo, but I doubt whether there is any easy way to adjust the door.The striker plate (bit that goes on the door post) can usually be adjusted to make the lock 'catch' properly and the door seat effectively against the rubber seals. This may also give the impression that the door is OK when closed - but it's NOT a substitute for having the door hinges properly setup in the first place.(Many garages use this approach as a bodge - you'll know if the door needs a fair slam to shut and appears to 'ride up' as it hits the plate.)
In your case, it sounds as if the door is 'dropping'. On older cars this can happen as the hinges wear, but if the car is relatively new this shouldn't be happening. On many new cars the hinges are welded to the body - and door and are not adjustable, other than by tentatively bending them with a carefully applied (hefty!) steel bar. Other cars may have their hinges bolted to the body and / or door - in which case there might be a little scope for slackening the bolts and adjusting.
Sorry, I haven't read your previous posts, but I'm assuming you have had accident damage repaired. It could well be that the door - or even bodyframe has been twisted. In which case you will need a replacement door or specialist body straightening equipment - or both!
All of this points to very poor workmanship on the part of the bodyshop. It might be worth getting another (friendly!) bodyshop to have a look and give their opinion. If you are a member of a motoring organisation (AA / RAC etc) they should be able to help.
Good luck.
Graeme
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Yes, I'd go the 'Another Bodyshop' route, see what they have to say.
Try and find a friendly one, difficult, I know!
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn/problems.msnw?Page=1 - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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Be carefull as insurance co`s may not deal with another firm in your area,be inclined to stay with them untill fault is corrected may even put off insurance co.from using them again too many complaint`s etc.your choice but may help other`s in long term
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Collection/Satisfaction note signed?
Could be tricky!
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn/problems.msnw?Page=1 - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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Thanks - looks like it's rejection number 8 for this particular job then!
I'll take it back after Christmas when I'm feeling brave and hopefully the bloke who shouted at me will still be full of Christmas cheer!
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Just a thought; it's common on three door cars for the rear passengers to heave themselves out using the top edge of the door. If this has happened a lot it will have deformed the hinges (fair wear and tear). It also happens at the rear on a lot of 4x4s where the hatch is in effect a large door with a dirty great wheel hung on it. Fronteras and Daihatsu Sport and Four traks have been known to drop a door on peoples toes when one of the hinges finally fails, causing the remaining hinge to shear.
On this basis be prepared for the repairers to suggest it was "always like that" when you take it back as a get-out clause.
Trust you will be sending them a Christmas card after all their hard work on your behalf.... ;o)
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My dad rocks :)
Turns out that the stupid bodyshop had replaced the lining of the door completely wrong and that's why the door wasn't closing properly and the lock wasn't aligned quite right.
Wonderful dad has put it right, no there's no need for me to go back to the bodyshop - was dreading having a micra again!
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But what about the paint chips ?? Regards Peter
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Peter - the paint was rubbed where the lining of the door was catching, so I hope now they've been touched in they wont appear again.
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Hopefully that's it sorted. How nice to get a satisfactory conclusion. Trust there was a good Chrissy present for Dad!
Do enjoy what's left of Christmas and New Year.
Graeme
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