Rear Sliding Cabin Door

[tgebler]

My door is different from what you depict in your post.

Helm and cockpit.jpg

This photo shows the door in the lower left and the handle on the outside. There is no handle on the inside just a finger hole.

[Gag_Halfront]

Oh! I'm sorry. I misunderstood. That's certainly very different from the glass doors on other models. Hopefully your picture will jog someone's memory who's done one of these before.

[thatchh]

I also have the 396 with that door I have not determined a way to remove the rollers. Mine have gotten flat sided, but the door still slides pretty well when I spray it with silicone lube. About once a month keeps it sliding ok. I agree about the handle. You might have to use one that attaches with screws, or one the has the built in bolts and live with nuts on the outside. Maybe you could cover them with rubber caps. This is on my list to address, but it's not near the top yet.

[tgebler]

Someone susggested a handle which is normally used in the at-home shower which attaches with suction. I have ordered one and will give it a try next week. If it doesn't work, I can always drill a couple of holes and attach a permanent handle. If I go that route, I have decided to take off the outer handle and put the screw heads behind that handle. I will keep everyone posted and include pics of which ever method works best.

[tgebler]

I bought and today installed the handle which was recommended by tomschauer. I works very well and I am pleased with this solution. Another plus for the forum.

[chpsk8]

I have a 355 aft and my door didn't slide well at all. The PO put one of those suction cup shower handles on it, but it would fall off occasionally and was a general PITA after awhile.

I ended up cleaning the upper and lower tracks really well with some old paint brushes, blue shop towels, and degreaser. It was amazing what came out of there. Sand, dirt, old grease, etc... Then I used a product called Slipit. https://www.slipit.com/all-products/sf-sliding-compound/ on the tracks. A liberal dose on the upper and lower really did the trick. Now my kids can open the door easily. Worked well on a couple sticky windows I had also.

[MichaelOKC]

Upon your recommendation, I just ordered a pint of Slipit and should receive delivery in a day or two. Thanks for your advice.

[tomschauer]

Keeping the tracks clean is key.
You would think (as I did) adding some lubricant will help. It does, for a very short time, then is helps "hold" the dust and dirt in the track and actually makes it worse.
Clean the tracks constantly, both upper and lower, and just use a dry silicone spray.