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Necoa #: 9074
Location: 25(All Other)
Joined: Feb 20, 2007
Posts: 1022
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject: Option to quieten down the door close & make latching ea
When I go my El Camino I noticed that a previous owner had put a piece of garden hose over the door lock post and used a little tape to hold it in place. At the time I thought it was so rough and ready so I removed it.
As time and progress of work progressed I became increasing dissatisfied with the terrible noise and amount of effort to slam shut the doors.
I decided to resurrect the garden hose and bingo, the doors now shut and latch easy and the noise no longer sounds like a clap of thunder.
Here is a pic of the hose in place which I have since wrapped in a little packing tape. Any comments or other right ways to tackle this issue?
Necoa #: 10732
Location: 18(N.CA,N.NV)
Joined: Jan 07, 2008
Posts: 80
Year: 1974
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:02 am Post subject:
You know what? This is genius! I hate the noise when I slam my door. I've been thinking about just wrapping tape on it, but this is a really great idea. Ooh in fact i think I have an extra hose in the backyard, I know what I'm doin tomorrow. Oh but are there any problems, like is it harder to shut? _________________ -Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!
Necoa #: 7195
Location: 17(S.CA,S.NV)
Joined: Mar 26, 2006
Posts: 848
Year: 1977
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:07 am Post subject:
John, Thanks for sharing that tid bit. My 77 has that same problem. Only mine is wraped in layers of Electrical tape that wears in about 5 months time. So next time I'll just shorten my Garden Hose an inch or two. Thanks for the TIP!!!!
_________________ http://elcaminocentral.com/gallery-album_CoyoteOn2s77Cage.html
Keep the Shiney Side Up
The Rubber Side Down !!
aka Larry
Necoa #: 9074
Location: 25(All Other)
Joined: Feb 20, 2007
Posts: 1022
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:
Andrew, it is so much easier to shut now. Without the hose I had to really throw the door closed, now it is just above what might be considered normal for a new car with framed windows.
Larry, yup, the hose will last much longer than just tape I reckon. _________________ John (from Down Under)
'75 El Camino Classic ("EARLE")
Last edited by hemi57 on Mon May 05, 2008 5:34 pm; edited 1 time in total
Necoa #: 10732
Location: 18(N.CA,N.NV)
Joined: Jan 07, 2008
Posts: 80
Year: 1974
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject:
hemi57 wrote:
Andrew, it is so much easier to shut now. Without the hose I had to really throw the door closed, now it is just above what might be considered normal for a new car with framed windows.
Larry, yup, the hose will last much longer than just tape I reckon.
Are there any problems with opening it at all? _________________ -Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!
Necoa #: 9074
Location: 25(All Other)
Joined: Feb 20, 2007
Posts: 1022
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 5:39 pm Post subject:
The is no difference in unlatching and opening the door. It is just as it was before putting the hose on.
Oh and I remembered another thing, my doors used to make a clunking noise when you hit a pot hole or sharp bump in the road and this does not happen now as the hose eliminates the metal to metal contact of the door latch. _________________ John (from Down Under)
Necoa #: 4669
Location: 4(MD,VA)
Joined: Jan 17, 2005
Posts: 1446
Year: 1984
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 8:10 am Post subject:
Genius! Youse guys crack me up. I've seen this before and it does often work very well. But, you gotta admit, it is a bit redneck.
Take care.
You may also want to confirm proper door alignment while you're at it. _________________ 84 Elky GTA
Most of the important things a human ought to know cannot be comprehended in youth.
Necoa #: 10732
Location: 18(N.CA,N.NV)
Joined: Jan 07, 2008
Posts: 80
Year: 1974
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:24 am Post subject:
Bowtie wrote:
Genius! Youse guys crack me up. I've seen this before and it does often work very well. But, you gotta admit, it is a bit redneck.
Well as my grandpa has always told us we're C.I.O. California Improved Okies, the only difference between me and rednecks is that I have all my teeth. Oh and also I tried this yesterday and it works great. _________________ -Andrew, 1974 El Camino, finally a 350!
Necoa #: 9074
Location: 25(All Other)
Joined: Feb 20, 2007
Posts: 1022
Year: 1975
Model: El Camino
Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 7:18 pm Post subject:
Bowtie wrote:
Genius! Youse guys crack me up. I've seen this before and it does often work very well. But, you gotta admit, it is a bit redneck.
Take care.
You may also want to confirm proper door alignment while you're at it.
simple is sometimes best.
Redneck? Me? More like an Aussie Bushie (Bush Mechanic).
Door alignment is good.
74elko wrote:
Well as my grandpa has always told us we're C.I.O. California Improved Okies, the only difference between me and rednecks is that I have all my teeth. Oh and also I tried this yesterday and it works great.
I admit that the origins of my El Camino and this "mod" are California. _________________ John (from Down Under)
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:14 am Post subject: Door striker silencers
Check out this website. You can purchase new "Mylar Plastic" silencers for $1.25 each. My 73 has had the rubber hose treatment for about 10 years, and still works. I just stumbled onto this website a few day's ago.
I will order a couple.
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:28 am Post subject: Door striker silencers
This just in from an Oldsmobile forum. The silencers are available at any GM dealership parts counter for $1.21. Ask for GM part # 9601752
These are listed for the 73 to 77 Olds Cutlass, which is the same as the Chevelle/ElCamino. Double check with the parts man for a cross reference, just to be sure.
Bob _________________ "73 El Camino. A True SS with all the original paperwork from GM.
One nation under God. In God we trust. God Bless America.
Love it, live with it, or leave.
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