Scuttle Problems

[DevilDog]

My scuttle has a problem. It does not close all the way. Sticks up about one inch. You can lift it by hand but only a few inches. Very difficult to get to the fasteners inside. Suck air and it only moves about 1/2 inch. Any tricks/suggestions????

[cass3958]

The Scuttle flap operates on a long piano hinge and it is this that jams up and gets stiff. You cannot get to the hinge from inside the car only via the scuttle flap itself. As long as your vacuum switch is operating the flap the only recommendation I can give it to work the hinge.
Disconnect the vacuum switch arm so the flap can be moved by hand, spray a lot of penetrating fluid in to the hinge and work it up and down until it becomes loose and moves through the full range of movement freely. I doubt if you can break it but as long as you work it little by little up and down with the penetrating fluid the flap should ease up.
Anyone who has not sprayed penetrating oil in to the scuttle flap should do so at least once a year and work it loose or it will seize up on you.

[DevilDog]

Will give it a try and lots of love.....thanks

[Glyn Ruck]

Rob has it spot on. Common problem. Be gentle until it moves freely. If you break the pin in the piano hinge it is hell to repair. You have to drill out the spot welds that hold the hinge in. Terrible job a friend had to do on a Mk2 which is similar but not vacuum operated.