Expert: Jeff Wayco - 11/6/2010

Question
Hi Jeff,
I hope you're well?

I have a 1967 Bentley T1 which the rear drivers side door won't open on.
Can you advise how I'd take the door panel off without causing damage in order to see what the fault could be?

Any help would be gratefully received.

Thanks
Les

Answer
Hi Les,

Greetings from "across the pond" !!  For starters, I would think that there ought to be a fair number of Bentley and Rolls shops in the UK that could help you.  Similarly, there ought to be some Bentley and RR clubs you could contact....and who knows, one of the members might just be happy to give you a hand.  We don't have any experience taking the vehicles apart....we restore the woodwork....and folks from all over the world, box up and send us their woodwork.
There are 2 places here in the U.S., that you might want to contact.
The First is:
 TONY HANDLER, INC.
   Rolls-Royce & Bentley Parts
   Call: (310) 473-7773
   Fax: (310) 479-1197
   Email: rollsbentleyparts@verizon.net
   2028 Cotner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025

The Second is:
 Ronny Shaver owner of Ronny's Garage.
   Call:  714-953-0896
   111  West First Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703

Hopefully those folks might be able to answer your questions.

Otherwise, I have volunteered to answer questions that relate to “Automotive Wooden Interior Trim” - specifically the “Real” wood trim parts found in Jaguars, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, BMWs, Jensen Healeys, Austin Healeys, Triumphs - etc. etc. etc.

Should you or any of your fellow automotive enthusiasts have interior wood trim in their vehicles....and IF that wood is having trouble.....I can help.

Thank you.

OH, and for what it is worth, I would think that you Might be able to find or order a repair manual for your car, either from a Local Parts Store or Amazon, Borders or maybe on eBay etc. etc.  It would be a good idea to have one, if you are going to do mechanical work yourself.  

Again, for what it is worth, I would think that you might want to search for a classic/vintage car club in your area.  Many folks in clubs are very helpful people and may be able to help you find your answer...making a friend or two in that "world" would be very helpful, especially if you are going to do mechanical work yourself.  Who knows, maybe one of those folks has had the same problem or can assist you personally with the answer to your question.

(I would appreciate you taking the time to Rate my response....thanks)