Kenworth door cracked at hinges

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Lepton1, Nov 14, 2016.

  1. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    I just bought a 2006 KW T2000. The door design is fragile, with two hinges bolted to the fiberglass and/or plastic frame. Without a proper door stop if you open the door in a high wind from behind it can open too wide and cause the bottom front edge to jam up against the fender.

    The driver's door won't shut properly, because the cracks at the hinges have caused the door to sag. The bolt that the door closes on has been worn and worked loose. I certainly want to replace that bolt, but first the cracks in the door should be repaired so the door is level.

    My brother has an '03 T2000 with the same problem, but not as bad as mine. Our thinking is to open the door, jack it level and push to close the cracks. Remove the inside panel to access the interior of the crack. Weld the crack with something like Duramix, then bolt a metal angle plate on the inside.

    Has anyone else dealt with this problem? IMG_20161114_071500564_HDR.jpg IMG_20161114_071537190.jpg IMG_20161114_071527420_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg IMG_20161114_071500564_HDR.jpg IMG_20161114_071537190.jpg IMG_20161114_071527420_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg IMG_20161114_071518685.jpg
     
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  3. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    Just say no to that double cheeseburger
     
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  4. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Blackberries, apples, water only as well, I slide right in & out of this old Century. 20161114_095805.jpg
     
  5. boneebone

    boneebone Road Train Member

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    To do a proper repair it's best to remove the door and get a better look at the damage and the proper procedure to repair the inner door frame.

    The door is made out of Sheet Molded Compound so you will need to repair it with the right materials or it will wind up cracking again.

    If the door integrity is questionable, it might be more feasible to replace it with a good used door.

    It might be a good idea to drop by a Truck Body Shop and ask them what they think.

    IMO, because both attachment points are cracked and the door is sagging, I would just look for a good used door and be done with it.

    I think that door is history.
     
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2016
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  6. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Good news and bad news today.

    The good news is by tightening the existing bolt up from its position, the door now latches much tighter. Not perfect, but at least it doesn't rattle.

    The bad news is the cracks at each hinge are extending toward each other. I'm going to start a search for a used door, but I will likely try to weld it in place as I first described as a temporary fix to strengthen it. My financial priorities are on other issues on the truck, so if I can get at least a few months out of this one I will be able to work that into the schedule.
     
  7. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

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    The doors are a major weakness on the T2000 and its kissing cousin Peterbilt 387. I drove a 387 for a while and in any form of cross breeze, it sounded like a wind tunnel. I wouldn't buy one solely for that reason, it was deafening, and no manner of adjustments would get them to close tighter and cut the draft.
     
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  8. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    My brother finally solved the screaming wind tunnel by experimenting with various seal strips from Lowe's and Home Depot. He has leftover stripping that was successful. I'm going to start working on that soon. Simply repositioning and tightening the bolt made a world of difference.

    Ultimately I might look at customizing the hinges if I get new doors.
     
  9. double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

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    I'd never heard of this problem until you posted, but just today a t2000 fueled next to me and the sound he made closing his door made me wince. I look over, and sure enough the door is sagging just like your photos
     
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  10. CallMeArty

    CallMeArty HaMMeRED DoWN

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    I temporarily drove an old cfi t2000 while my old truck was getting an inframe.

    The passenger door was in this condition. I shut it all the way but cracked the fiberglass door with a good ugly 9 inch deep crack. Ooops.
     
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  11. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    It's not for nothing the 387 (and likely 587 and other versions too) are called plastic Petes.
     
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