Over the weekend we finally installed the door seal per the instructions.
I was concerned that our door fit would change based on prior posts, and
big surprise to me, the doors now fit poorly. Before we started to rework
everything to get back to a decent fit, or before buying new seals to
replace the factory seals I decided to send an e-mail to Vans with the
question (see copy below). I received a response from Vans, also copied
below. I am shocked that Ken Scott not only couldn't provide a solution,
but also said that this is the first they have EVER heard of this problem.
Not that it will do much good, other than to satisfy my own curiosity,
but has anyone else asked Vans this question? What gives??? I am proud
to be a Van's customer, but they can be frustrating.... BTW, any pointers
on a solution to the problem would be appreciated.
Jason Kreidler 9/2/2008
"A few days ago we installed the door seal that was supplied with our kit.
Before installation of the door seal, our doors fit as close to perfect as
we could have hoped for. After installing the door seals, the doors fit
terribly. We attempted to move the seals while closing the door to insure
they were placed in the channel of the cabin top, but even that did not
help. We are now considering different options, it seems as if the bulb
on the seal is just too big. Since this appears to be a common problem
all builders are experiencing, do you have any ideas to solve this issue?
I hate to buy after market seals to replace the stock seals without asking
the question."
Ken Scott Reply 9/2/2008
"We've had no problems with the supplied seals on our airplanes, and I
haven't heard any complaints from the field. I took a poll of the tech
help guys this morning, and none of us have had any questions that we can
remember. I'm not sure what to tell you."
Thanks, Jason Kreidler
4-Partner Build (Jason Kreidler, Tony Kolar, Kyle Hokel, Wayne Elsner)
Sheboygan Falls, WI
#40617 Finishing
