'32 Ford 3W door check strap REDUX

[deuce-deacon]

All --

thanks in advance for your help!

So I read several posts here on how the door check strap attaches to the car. But I'm missing something or having a hard time visualizing it.

Picture #1 is from the Bob Drake catalog. It appears the straight end of the t-shaped strap mounts to the B pillar with a cleat or bracket shown at the bottom of the same image.

The other end (t-shaped end) seems to attach to the door and slide inward when the door is closed. But something must hold it in place and let it slide. I have what is called a footman's loop, but the mounting holes on it are 2-1/4" center-to-center, while the mounting holes inside the door are considerably narrower. So the footman's loop doesn't look like the answer.

So my questions - am I missing a piece that mounts the strap to the door and lets the strap slide into the door? Or, is the T-shaped end of the strap fix-mounted to the door and then the strap just folds towards the inside of the car when closed?

any pictures or insights appreciated!

 

[Karl Wescott]

The footman loop is not used with the t straps. It was used on a double loop strap from 1926 (or before) - 1929.

The T style strap slides inside the door or door jamb and is stopped by the T end.

 

[deuce-deacon]

Thanks, Karl. So it doesn't sound like there is a bracket or attachment inside the door. The strap just "floats" inside the door and is stopped by the T end. I think I got it, thanks again.

 

[DavidG]

The photo below pretty well captures how the check straps are attached using the bracket shown on the bottom of the page in your photo. The 'T' is behind the B pillar. Your doors should have the little cutouts for accessing the attachment to the door and threaded holes inside the cutout for the round-head slotted screws that pass through the strap.

 

[deuce-deacon]

Thanks, DavidG. I can't believe how much variation there is across the internet for how these attach!! Such a simple piece - hah!

 

[deuce-deacon]

because I figure you can never have enough pics to show how it's done!

Note: since my B pillars are metal, I used a grommet for good measure on the door side of the B pillar.