SECTION 2-A 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOORS
2-1 DESCRIPTION
Extensive changes have been incorporated in the 1959 Buick front and rear doors. These changes, in most instances, require new and varied service procedures. The primary items of importance, due to their differences in design, removal and installation, are as follows:
- 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Inside Handles (Varies with Particular Series)
- 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Trim Assembly (Varies with Particular Series)
- 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Weatherstrip Assembly
- 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Window Adjustments
- 1959 Buick Front Door Ventilator Assembly
- 1959 Buick Rear Door Window and Window Guide Cams
The entire door section has been divided into the following parts:
- Service operations which are the same or similar for both 1959 Buick front and rear doors.
- Service operations for the front door.
- Service operations for the rear door.
2-2 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOOR INSIDE REMOTE CONTROL HANDLE (All Electra Models except Convertibles)
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Inside Remote Control Handle Removal
- Remove screws securing arm rest front escutcheon to arm rest assembly and remove escutcheon.
- Depress trim assembly, then using a spring removing tool, or other suitable tool, remove spring from handle and remove handle from regulator spindle.
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Inside Remote Control Handle Install
To install inside handle, first install retaining spring to handle; then position handle on spindle, push handle until spring is engaged.
NOTE: Install handle at same angle as handle on opposite door.
2-3 1959 BUICK FRONT DOOR INSIDE REMOTE CONTROL HANDLE (Electra Convertibles)
1959 Buick Front Door Inside Remote Control Handle Removal
- Remove door trim assembly.
- Using a spring removing tool, or other suitable tool, remove spring from handle and remove handle from regulator spindle.
Front Door Inside Remote Control Handle Install
- To install inside handle, first install retaining spring to handle.
- Then position handle on spindle, push handle until spring is engaged.
NOTE: Install handle at same angle as handle on opposite door.
2-4 FRONT AND/OR REAR DOOR TRIM ASSEMBLY
Removal of 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Trim Assembly
- Remove door inside locking rod knob. On all styles except 4767, remove inside handles.
- On 4719, 4737,4739, 4829 and 4839 styles, at underside of arm rest, remove screws securing arm rest to door inner panel.
- On 4767 styles, remove door arm rest remote control plate and cover assembly and arm rest finishing cup attaching screws.
- On all other styles, remove door arm rest assembly.
- Along lower edge of trim assembly and at upper front corner on front doors, remove screws securing trim assembly to door inner panel.
- With a clean rubber mallet tap trim assembly along front and rear edge to free trim assembly retaining nails in slots.
- Place a suitable flat-bladed tool between water deflector and door trim assembly at lower edge of trim assembly. Working upward, carefully loosen front and rear of trim assembly from door inner panel.
NOTE: Exercise extreme care so as not to disturb inner panel water deflector. - Lift trim assembly upwards and carefully disengage trim from top of door inner panel ; then remove trim assembly from door.
NOTE : On styles equipped with electric window regulators and/or electric ventilators, after trim assembly is disengaged from top of door inner panel, disconnect switch terminal block from switch assembly.
Installation of 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Trim Assembly
To install, reverse removal procedure. Broken retaining nails should be replaced with repair tabs, which are available as service parts.
2-5 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOOR LOCK STRIKER
Removal and Installation of 1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Lock Striker
- With a pencil, mark position of striker on body pillar.
- Remove three (3) door lock striker attaching screws and remove striker and adjusting plates from pillar.
- To install, place striker and adjusting plates within marks on pillar and tighten screws.
IMPORTANT: Whenever a door has been removed and installed, or realigned, the door SHOULD NOT be closed completely until a visual check is made to determine if the lock extension will engage in striker notch. Where required, door lock striker emergency spacers should be installed so that door can be closed and an accurate check made to determine emergency spacer requirements.
1959 Buick Door Lock Striker Adjustments
- To adjust striker up or down or in or out loosen striker plate attaching screws and shift striker and adjusting plates as required, then tighten screws.
- DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR USE OF DOOR LOCK STRIKER EMERGENCY SPACERS.
- Door(s) should be properly aligned before checking door spacer requirements.
- To determine if door lock striker emergency spacers are required, apply modeling clay or body caulking compound in door lock striker notch where lock extension engages and then close door to form a measurable impression in the clay or caulking compound, as shown in Fig. 2-1.
1959 Buick Striker Engagement Check
When dimension “A” from inside face of striker teeth to center of lock extension is less than 3/16″, install emergency spacers and proper length striker attaching screws as indicated.
1959 Buick Door Spacer Dimensions
2-6 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOOR WATER DEFLECTORS
Description
On all body styles a waterproof paper door inner panel water deflector is cemented to the front and rear edges of the door. The 1959 Buick front door water deflector, which covers the door inner panel, fits into a slot along the bottom of the door inner panel and deflects water into the bottom of the door where it can drain out the door bottom drain holes. The front portion of the rear door water deflector fits into a slot along the bottom of the door. The rear portion of the deflector is installed into the large access hole (see Figure 2-3). Both areas deflect the water into the bottom of the door where it also drains out the ‘door bottom drain holes. It is important that whenever any work is performed on front or rear doors where the water deflector has been disturbed, the deflector must be properly cemented and taped to the door inner panel.
NOTE: For service use, body caulking compound is recommended in place of production cements.
The following procedure for servicing a door inner panel water deflector covers partial detachment of deflector for access to door inner panel.
Water Deflectors Partial Detachment
- Remove door trim assembly.
- Remove arm-rest hanger plates, where present. Remove strips of waterproof body tape securing lower corners of water deflector to inner panel (figs. 2-2 and 2-3).
1959 Buick Door Water Deflectors-2-Door Styles
1959 Buick Door Water Deflectors-4-Door Styles
- Carefully cut deflector from top to bottom inside either front or rear cemented edge of deflector. NOTE: Do not tear water deflector.
- With a sharp knife or other suitable tool carefully break cement bond at spot cemented areas just above retaining slot and at top of door inner panel (figs. 2-2 and 2-3).
- Carefully disengage lower edge of water deflector from retaining slot; then roll deflector back to gain access to door inner panel.
1959 Buick Water Deflector Installation (Partial)
- Inspect water deflector and where necessary repair any tears or holes with waterproof body tape applied to both sides of deflector.
- Apply body caulking compound (approximately one inch diameter spot) to door inner panel just above retaining slot and at top of door inner panel at locations indicated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3.
- Insert lower edge of water deflector into retaining slot. Properly position deflector, firmly press sealed areas above retaining slot to effect a good bond, then tape lower corners of deflector to door inner panel with waterproof body tape at locations indicated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3. Special attention should be given when taping lower corners so as to effect a watertight seal at ends of retaining slot and at rear door access hole.
- Carefully tape cut edges of water deflector together with waterproof body tape. Tape should be applied along full length of cut so as to completely seal deflector and should be pressed firmly to deflector to obtain a good bond and seal.
- Apply waterproof body tape over all trim assembly nail retaining slots to effect a seal between water deflector and door trim assembly retaining nails after trim assembly has been installed.
- Install previously removed hardware and trim parts.
The following procedure for servicing a door inner panel water deflector covers removal of old deflector and installation of a new deflector.
Water Deflectors Removal (Complete)
- Remove door trim assembly.
- Remove arm rest hanger plates, where present. Remove strips of waterproof body tape securing lower corners of water deflector to inner panel (figs. 2-2 and 2-3).
- With a sharp scraper or other suitable tool, break cement bond securing edges of water deflector to door inner panel and at spot locations shown in Figures 2-2 and 2-3 and remove water deflector from door.
Water Deflectors Installation (Complete)
- Using old water deflector as template, trim new deflector to proper size and cut holes for door inside hardware.
- Apply a bead of body caulking compound (approximately 3/16″ diameter) to door inner panel along line contacted by front and rear edges of water deflector as indicated in Figures 2-2 and 2-3. Application should be continuous with no skips. Apply caulking compound at spot locations shown in Figures 2-2 and 2-3.
- Position water deflector to door inner panel with polyethylene coated side of deflector against door inner panel. Insert lower edge of deflector in retaining slot. If replacing rear door deflector, also place deflector lower rear edge in access hole; firmly roll or press sealed areas to obtain a good bond between deflector and door inner panel.
- Apply waterproof body tape to deflector and inner panel at both ends of retaining slot as indicated (Figure 2-2 and 2-3). Special attention should be given when taping lower corners so as to effect a watertight seal at ends of retaining slot and on rear doors at edges of access hole.
IMPORTANT: When complete door assembly is being replaced with a new part, ALL TRIM ASSEMBLY RETAINING NAIL SLOTS ARE TO BE SEALED WITH BODY CAULKING COMPOUND PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF WATER DEFLECTOR. In addition, the rear door window rear guide cam lower adjusting stud and nut and the unused attaching hole on “29” and “39” styles are to be sealed with body caulking compound as shown in Figure 2-3. On “19” styles, both unused holes are to be sealed with body caulking compound.
- Clean off all excess caulking compound; then install previously removed door trim and inside hardware.
2-7 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOOR BOTTOM DRAIN HOLE SEALING STRIPS
Description
The door bottom drain hole sealing strip is attached to the door inner panel over the drain holes by a snap-on fastener at each end of strip. The sealing strip is similar to those used on past models.
To prevent strip from adhering to the door inner panel and blocking the drain holes, apply a sparing amount of silicone rubber lubricant on the center section of the sealing strip as indicated in Figure 2-4.
1959 Buick Drain Hole Sealing Strip
2-8 1959 BUICK FRONT DOOR LOCK PILLAR SEALING STRIP (AT BELT)
1959 Buick Front Door Lock Pillar Sealing Strip Removal
- Remove snap-on fasteners securing sealing strip to door lock pillar.
- With a flat-bladed tool, carefully break cement bond securing sealing strip to door lock pillar and remove sealing strip from door.
Front Door Lock Pillar Sealing Strip Installation
- Remove old sealer from door to insure a clean cementing surface. If reinstalling original sealing strip, also remove old sealer from grooves of sealing strip.
- Apply an approved weatherstrip adhesive in grooves of sealing strip as shown in Section “A-A”, Figure 2-5.
1959 Buick Front Door Lock Pillar Sealing Strip
- Install sealing strip over upper flange of door lock pillar (fig. 2-5).
- Install sealing strip snap-on fasteners. Clean off all excess weatherstrip adhesive.
2-9 REAR BODY LOCK PILLAR UPPER SEALING STRIP
Rear Body Lock Pillar Upper Sealing Strip Removal
- Remove screws securing sealing strip to rear body lock pillar.
- With a flat-bladed tool, carefully break cement bond securing sealing strip to body lock pillar and remove sealing strip from pillar.
Rear Body Lock Pillar Upper Sealing Strip Installation
- Remove old sealer from body lock pillar to insure a clean cementing surface. If reinstalling original sealing strip, remove old sealer from cementing surface of sealing strip.
- Apply an approved weatherstrip adhesive to rear body lock pillar along area contacted by sealing strip as shown in Figure 2-6.
1959 Buick Rear Body Lock Pillar Upper Sealing Strip
- Install sealing strip to rear body lock pillar section (fig. 2-6).
- Install sealing strip attaching screws. Clean off all excess weatherstrip adhesive.
2-10 1959 BUICK FRONT DOOR HINGE PILLAR AUXILIARY WEATHERSTRIP
1959 Buick Front Door Hinge Pillar Auxiliary Weatherstrip Removal
With a flat-bladed tool carefully remove snap-on fasteners securing weatherstrip to door hinge pillar; then break cement bond and remove auxiliary weatherstrip from door assembly.
1959 Buick Front Door Hinge Pillar Auxiliary Weatherstrip Installation
- Clean off old cement from area of hinge pillar contacted by auxiliary weatherstrip.
- Apply an approved weatherstrip cement (neoprene type) or equivalent to surface of hinge pillar contacted by weatherstrip and to auxiliary weatherstrip attaching surface.
- Install weatherstrip to hinge pillar, aligning snap-on clip in weatherstrip with holes in hinge pillar.
- Install snap-on clips. Firmly press or roll entire length of weatherstrip to hinge pillar to assure a complete cement bond.
- Clean off excess cement.
2-11 1959 BUICK FRONT AND REAR DOOR WEATHERSTRIP ASSEMBLY
Description
The door weatherstrip is a one-piece mechanically retained type, similar to those used on past models. On all styles, the weatherstrip is retained by a new attaching hole sealing plug. This feature eliminates the need for sealing the weatherstrip clips, along the door bottom facing. Service procedures for front and rear door weatherstrips are similar and both weatherstrips are covered herein.
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Weatherstrip Removal (All Sedan Models)
- Along belt line at door hinge pillar and lock pillar sections remove screws and stud fasteners securing weatherstrip to door.
- With a flat-bladed tool, carefully break cement bond along cove area of front door. Also break cement bond within areas indicated in Views “A” through “E” in Figure 2-7.
1959 Buick Door Weatherstrips
- Insert tip of mechanically-retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757, or any other suitable tool, at clip location and carefully snap clips from retaining hole. Then work weatherstrip over door hemming flange and remove from body.
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Weatherstrip Installation (All Sedan Models)
- Clean off old cement to insure a clean cementing surface.
- Check weatherstrip clips for proper contour and reform if necessary using clip reforming tool J-5984 (fig. 2-8).
1959 Buick Weatherstrip Clip Reforming Tool
- The color mark, on “11” style door weather strips is located along the lock pillar section of the door, between second and third clip hole below upper rear corner of door (see fig. 2-7). The color mark, on “19” style front door weatherstrips, is located along top of door, between third and fourth clip hole from upper rear corner (see fig. ‘ 2-7). The color mark, on “19” style rear door weatherstrips, is located along the top of door, between the third and fourth clip hole from upper front corner (see fig. 2-7).
- The sealing operations required before weatherstrip is installed are as follows:
- Apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive in corner of rabbet on front door window frame assembly along entire cove area of door as indicated at “1” in Figure 2-7. View “A” in Figure 2-7 indicates sealing at cove area near ventilator garnish molding.
- On “19” styles, apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive to effect a seal between front door weatherstrip and door inner panel extending from a point one inch above the inner panel and frame assembly joint downward to a point one inch below joint of lock pillar inner panel and door inner panel as indicated in View “B”, Item 1. On “11” styles, seal should extend to a point two inches below weatherstrip clip attaching hole as shown in View “B”, Item 2.
- Apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive to effect a seal at joint of rear door hinge pillar inner panel and door inner panel as indicated in View “C”.
- Apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive to effect a seal between rear door weatherstrip and door inner panel extending from a point one inch above door lock pillar inner panel and frame assembly joint downward to a point one inch below joint of lock pillar inner panel and door inner panel as indicated in View “D”.
- Install clips to door by placing notched end of mechanically-retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757 in loop of clip and pushing clip into attaching hole sealing plug and/or retaining hole. Repeat operation along both sides and top of door.
NOTE: Do not distort clips or unsatisfactory weatherstrip retention will result.- After installation of front door weatherstrip, apply an approved weatherstrip adhesive to area indicated in View “E” to fill void at joint of hinge pillar and door inner panel to prevent dust and water from entering under weatherstrip.
- Clean off all excess weatherstrip adhesive. Install weatherstrip retaining screws and/or stud fasteners.
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Weatherstrip Removal (All Hardtop Models)
- Remove screw securing weatherstrip to ventilator frame and screws securing lock pillar end of weatherstrip. On rear door Sedan styles, remove screw securing ends of weatherstrip to hinge pillar and lock pillar.
- With a flat-bladed tool, carefully break cement bond along “cove” area of front door. Also, break cement bond within areas indicated in Views “A” through “D” in Figure 2-9.
1959 Buick Door Weathertrips
- Insert tip of mechanically-retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757, or any other suitable tool, at clip location and carefully snap clips from retaining hole and remove weatherstrip from door.
1959 Buick Front and Rear Door Weatherstrip Installation (All Hardtop Models)
- Clean off old cement to insure a clean cementing surface.
- Check weatherstrip clips for proper contour, and reform if necessary using clip reforming tool J-5984 (fig. 2-8).
- The sealing operations required before weatherstrip is installed are as follows:
- Apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive in corner of rabbet on front door assembly along entire cove area of door as indicated at “1” in Figure 2-9. View “A” in Figure 2-9 indicates sealing at cove area near ventilator assembly.
- On “37” and “67” styles, apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive at top of lock pillar portion of door weatherstrip extending downward to second weatherstrip clip attaching hole as shown in View “B”, Item “1”.
On “29” and “39” styles, apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive at top of lock pillar portion of door weatherstrip and at joint of door inner panel and lock pillar inner panel as shown in View “B”, Item “2”. - On “39” style rear door, apply a bead of approved weatherstrip adhesive at top of lock pillar portion of door weatherstrip and at joint of door inner panel as shown in View “C”.
- Install clips to door by placing notched end of mechanically-retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757 in loop of clip and pushing clip into attaching hole sealing plug and/or retaining hole. Repeat operation along both sides and bottom of door.
NOTE : Do not distort clips or unsatisfactory weatherstrip retention will ‘result. - After installation of 1959 Buick front door weatherstrip, apply an approved weatherstrip adhesive to area indicated in View “D” to fill void at joint of hinge pillar inner panel and door inner panel to prevent dust and water from entering under weatherstrip.
- Clean off all excess weatherstrip adhesive. Install weatherstrip retaining screws and /or stud fasteners.
2-12 1959 BUICK SIDE ROOF RAIL WEATHERSTRIP
Description
The side roof rail weatherstrip is a one piece mechanically-retained type with external clips formed from a wire insert extending through the length of the weatherstrip. At the center of the weatherstrip on “29” and “39” styles, a section (approximately 5 inches long) is provided with a reinforced outer skin to prevent excessive wear from the rear door window upper frame during closing and opening of the door.
Side Roof Rail Weatherstrip Removal
- Remove screws securing weatherstrip to front body hinge pillar. On “39” styles, also remove screw securing rear end of weatherstrip to side roof rail.
- With a flat-bladed tool, carefully break cement bond between side roof rail weatherstrip and side roof rail weatherstrip retainer.
- Carefully position tip of mechanically retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757, or any other suitable tool, under weatherstrip at each clip location and snap clip out of hole.
Side Roof Rail Weatherstrip Installation
- Before installing, check weatherstrip clips for proper contour and reform if necessary using weatherstrip reforming tool J-5984.
- Apply a continuous bead (approximately 3/16″ diameter) of medium-bodied sealer to the top surface of weatherstrip along a line outboard of the attaching clips for entire length of part.
- Position weatherstrip to retainer at side roof rail. Install weatherstrip clips into clip holes with mechanically-retained weatherstrip inserting tool J-5757. To install clips into holes, place “V-shaped” tip of tool on loop of clip, then push clip into hole until it snaps into position.
NOTE : Do not use excessive force or strike tool when pushing clips into holes as it may distort shape of clips resulting in improper weatherstrip retention. - On “29” styles, apply weatherstrip cement across top of weatherstrip from the last clip hole rearward including rear vertical portion of weatherstrip and cement weatherstrip to side roof rail and rear body lock pillar.
- On “37” styles, apply weatherstrip cement to rear end of weatherstrip and cement it to the front end of the rear quarter window sealing strip. Install previously removed weatherstrip attaching screws.
- With doors and windows closed, front and rear door window upper frames should make an even continuous contact with the side roof rail weatherstrip. If necessary, adjust ventilator and/or front and rear door windows to obtain proper weatherstrip contact.
- Lubricate side roof rail weatherstrip as outlined under “Body Lubrication.”
1959 Buick Side Roof Rail Weatherstrip Adjustments
The attaching holes in the side roof rail weatherstrip retainer are elongated allowing “in and out” adjustment of the side roof rail weatherstrip; however, the amount of adjustment is small and is not intended to correct for improper ventilator or door window alignment. The retainer attaching screws are located under the weatherstrip necessitating removal of the weatherstrip to make an adjustment.
IMPORTANT: Before attempting to adjust the side roof rail weatherstrip, first check that the ventilator and 1959 Buick front and rear door windows are properly aligned and, where necessary, adjust for proper alignment as directed under “Adjustment” of the ventilator and/or front or rear door window.
- To adjust side roof rail weatherstrip “in or out” first determine and mark retainer at area or areas to be adjusted.
- Loosen retainer attaching screws slightly in area to be adjusted; then adjust retainer “in or out” as required.
NOTE: Make adjustments along sufficient length of the retainer to insure a continuous seal. - Tighten retainer attaching screws and install weatherstrip.
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