Middle Rail Cut-Out Position. Early Slider

[Robsey]

Hi all, a very simple question.

I have been finally sorting the van's body work after procrastinating for about ten years.

I have separated what was left of the rail from the van.
The whole rail was a mass of shonky rust.





I have kept, and bead blasted the end plate.



The only option is to make a new rail as manufacturers have long since ceased to put the early runners on the van skin repair panels.

I have measured the rusty remnants, and come up with an 'ish' drawing.
There is meant to be a cut-out on the underside of the middle-runner rail, to allow the sliding door to be disengaged and re-engaged with the middle rail.

Does anyone have any dimensions for how high it goes, how wide, and how far from the front bracket.

Here is my quick sketch... it is not to scale, just my interpretation...

[Rosie n' Jim]

I need to Greece mine tonight, I'll take a photo and post it.

[Robsey]

Chears, that would be great.

It is very much appreciated

[ZsZ]

In the late rail the "cut-out" dent diameter is about 5mm larger than the middle roller bearing.
I assume the early was the same.

I hope somewhat helps.

[Robsey]

Cheers for the reply.
All information is useful and gratefully received.

The body repair manual and Bentley do not mention anything about the middle rail.
I am sure that I can make some educated guesses about the location and dimensions of the cut-out, but, seeing an example to replicate the panel would greatly reduce the chances of me making a dogs dinner of it.

[Rosie n' Jim]

Measured from the leading face of the stop plate. 

[Robsey]

That is excellent...
Looking at that, I can guess-timate the following dimensions.

Cut-out / rebate height = approx 5mm
(1/2 the height of the rail.

Start of rebate = 555mm from the front plate.
Rear of rebate = 580mm from the front plate.

Hopefully that will help other repairers or restorers too.

For info....
Updated Slider-rail sketch.

[Plasticman]

I just made a new runner to go with the backing panal i make .i try find the picks
mm

[Stesaw]

Ive got a rail sitting on a body cut.... if you need one. not sure if its late or early though. Id assume Late as its from a D reg van.

[Mk2mike89]

Is someone on here making the early side runner ? As iv no idea how my door still opens and realy need a runner

[Plasticman]

I do them will post up later
mm

[Mk2mike89]

That would be amazing.

[Plasticman]

Have sent you a pm
mm

[Plasticman]

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