Door check strap length?

[nkcarizona]

I am installing the Lebaron-Bonney panels in my 29 roadster. Can anyone give me the proper length of the door check straps? Lebaron supplies them oversize.

[Steve Ciccalone]

The check straps are 7 and 1/2". They may be sold oversize as they may be a flat strap that requires the ends to be folded back to make eyes for the footman's loops that connect the strap to the door and pillar.

[nkcarizona]

I am not sure what you mean by "footman's loop". These straps were supplied with plates that screw to corresponding nuts in the door and A-pillar. I assumed these plates are attached with the strap spanning the space between the two plates.

Is the 7 1/2 inches basically from A-pillar edge to door edge?

Thanks for your help.

[Richard Redmond]

Hi,
I'm interested in this question and I wonder if there is a judging standards length for Roadsters.

My repro straps are cut down to 6 inches and for my 29 Roadster, that seems a little long. If someone really leans into the open door, it will wham forwards without too much resistance. Also, the folded strap in the closed door position looks a little 'protuberant' to my eye. See attached photo. Before final fitting I oiled the leather with neats foot oil but any good saddle soap will do. I think the new strap looks dry and too new.

Richard

[HoarseWhisperer]

1928-29 Open car door check straps without side spare were 7 1/2".

1928-29 Open car door check straps with side spare were 6 5/8", using end tips (plates) to attach.

Footman loops for the closed cars?

If I am intepreting the JS, area 12, pg 5, correctly?

[Steve Ciccalone]

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Sorry, footman's loops closed cars only. NKCAz straps mounted as you indicated. 7 and 1/2" length.

[peters180a/170b]

Take Richard Redmond picture....Take a small "V" file and make a small cut into the door strap between the 2 sets of holes... Thats where you will fold the strap in half so both sets of holes mate up .Your door screws go thru all 4 holes at that point.You fold the strap so the end faces inward on top and under the plate.. If you are working with N.O.S. straps that are stiff then let them sit in Armorall for 3 days and then with all parts ready to install place the straps in the microwave for 3 SECONDS...This will make them very flexable...For you 180A owners it will be in the next news letter..with pictures

[Charles Reese]

unfortunately i did not write down the source of this info but it shows an interesting method of installation .. states strap is 6-5/8"

[peters180a/170b]

Thanks Charles R. nice correct method of installation... I tried to say that in words but showing the picture is better... thanks

[Charles Reese]

kudos to original author, not me ... i just hoard minuta info

[HoarseWhisperer]

A pair of 7 1/2" NOS for the 28-29 open car without side mount spare.

[Richard Redmond]

This has been a very interesting thread.

I neglected to say in my first post with picture that I trimmed the leather straps back to the inner screw holes (shortened them overall) as I didn't know the proper way to fit them. The fitted length will be correct assuming that the repro supplier got it right.

From what I remember, the provided screws are too short to pass through backing plate, doubled-up thick leather and then screw into the door pillar. The thickness of HorseWhisperer's NOS straps looks much less than the repro leather. Are they for sale by any chance??

Richard

[HoarseWhisperer]

Originally Posted by Richard Redmond

This has been a very interesting thread.

I neglected to say in my first post with picture that I trimmed the leather straps back to the inner screw holes (shortened them overall) as I didn't know the proper way to fit them. The fitted length will be correct assuming that the repro supplier got it right.

From what I remember, the provided screws are too short to pass through backing plate, doubled-up thick leather and then screw into the door pillar. The thickness of HorseWhisperer's NOS straps looks much less than the repro leather. Are they for sale by any chance??

Richard

Richard,

Yes, the original door check straps are MUCH thinner than the repros.

I did install NOS straps on my 31' without a problem.

Again, the one's pictured are just under 7 1/2", NOS for the 28-29 open car WITHOUT side mount spare.

Although, I don't have a 28-29 open vehicle, I'm reluctant to part with NOS items (much to my wife's dismay), and probably want too much for them .