Question about the 1956 Thunderbird door sill plate

[zuburg]

I sliced my toe on the bottom of the door sill plate the other day and was wondering if there was something missing from my little bird. The door sill plate is screwed down to just the thin steel of the door sill. This causes the 90 degree inside edge to be exposed on the bottom (and what cut my toe). This inside edge of the door sill plate is about 1 1/2" above the floor. You can put your foot 1 1/2" under the plate. I included some pictures to demonstrate. Is this the way these are supposed to be? Or is there supposed to be some other piece or structure under the steel sill that supports the sill, and the inside sill plate wraps over? If not, I will likely rig something up to keep feet (I wear sandals a lot) from sliding under and getting cut.

 

[miker98038]

I just went out and checked mine, same as yours. It feels like a sharp edge from stamping, might take the edge off with a file or stone. I'm in Seattle, so my rubber boots protect my toes.

 

[zuburg]

Thanks for checking. I just got this car and am still figuring out what I have. I'm a little surprised it was put together like that. I may cut a piece of wood, paint it flat black and put it under the sill so the sill plate wraps over it so nobody gets hurt. I can see my grand kids wearing flip flops slipping their foot under it.

 

[frank long island]

you could get door edge molding and put it over the sharp edge

 

[dmsfrr]

Put a lengthwise slit down one side of some 1/4' plastic (drip) tubing and slide it over the sharp edge?

 

[zuburg]

Both good suggestions. Thanks

 

[paul2748]

I just checked my 56. The inside edge of the plate is about 3/4 of an inch beyond the body metal (with carpet in place). Yes its sharp. I never wear sandals when driving my bird. Word to the wise.

 

[zuburg]

Thanks for the suggestions, I went with the door edge guard due to its shape and the fact it had some adhesive on it. I think it turned out very well.

 

[miker98038]

Nice solution. Might save my rubber boots. Seriously, it might also do a better job of keeping the carpet under it. Mine's pulled loose a couple times when I'm trying to,wiggle under the dash.

 

[zuburg]

I'm not expecting it to help the carpet any, it's still 1 1/2" above the carpet.