TR2/3/3A Check strap alignment

[Frank Canale]

I am still working on checking how all the pieces are fitting together. Doors seem to be fitting well even with the skin set on the frame . I just received a set of NOS check straps and are nice parts. Now I have discovered that the check strap when mounted in the door frame do not line up with the bracket in the A post. The check strap bracket relation to the hinge mounting cage nuts on the A post has not changed. I have no way of knowing if these doors are original to my car so that might be the problem. I tried to bend the check strap slightly and the A post bracket and got it so I could put a bolt in the bracket and it stops it from opening too far but I can not close the door with out the check strap binding up. The mis alignment looks to be 3/16"(same on both doors). I have studied it and looks to me the best solution is to move the holes in the door frame so that everything lines up correctly. Any thoughts are welcome. Frank

 

[CJD]

I think moving the door location would be the easiest...still a pain though. It's interesting, as I don't remember that ever being an issue. Does the door line up otherwise?

 

[Frank Canale]

Hi John, Yes the door lines up just fine . The radius at the A post matches and the crease for lack of a better term above the door handle matches up with the B post. It looks like moving the check strap mounting holes in the door frame will solve the problem. I mounted the check strap below the A post bracket and the door works properly. Frank

 

[Frank Canale]

I decided to go for it and see if it works.

This is a reminder which way to move the holes.

sorry no pictures of these steps but I think you will get the idea. I filled and re drilled the top hole with the bottom hole as the reference, Then added a bead of weld metal to the bottom edge of the center hole because it is very close to the mounting hole and would be difficult to weld after the mounting hole was moved with out melting into the new mounting hole. Then fill the bottom hole and re drill using the top hole for the reference.

Check strap lines up great now. Some one might notice that the screws are not centered but I am going to say it adds character to the car and live with it. Sure I considered cutting out the entire recessed area and moving it up but chances of warping up the door frame were too great and about 1/4 the work to do it the way I did. Clean up the center hole tonight and fix the other side tomorrow. Really glad I could do this repair before the door skin goes on. One step at a time, Baby steps lately. Frank

 

[Graham H]

That's really strange can't work out why they didn't align, a good fix though Frank.

Graham

 

[Frank Canale]

Thank you Graham, if it was only one side it would concern me more but since it was both sides and I feel doors may be from different car. Only thing I can come up with. Frank

 

[CJD]

Nobody will ever notice. That's one of those area you have to get down and strain to see once the car is built!

 

[Frank Canale]

I have gotten over the disappointments when I encounter these road bumps with a chuckle, fix it and move on. Frank

 

[CJD]

You're getting close to being able to see the end of the road!

 

[Frank Canale]

Thank you John, always welcome your encouragement. My car has come a long way but still a long way to go. Hope I am faster at body work than fixing rusted panels.Hopefully it will speed up once I am thru figuring out what is missing or needs repair and focus on making it look pretty. Frank

 

[Frank Canale]

Both doors are repaired and I am very pleased with how the repair turned out and especially happy with the function of the check strap, smooth with no binding, easy to feel when it locks in the full open position, and easy to close from the locked position. Thank you all for your comments, it really helps. Frank

 

[CJD]

Very good attention to detail! That could have been a disaster if you didn't find the problem until after painting. I'm not sure I would have thought to check the alignment of the strap!