Edward

Ok, so I open up the pass door on my SC. Not even hard, mind you, and snap!! I'm thinking, "damn, that didn't sound good." Then I see the evidence: the metal check strap is snapped at the middle. UGH!!!

So what's the fix, all? I'd like to do this myself, but I have zero equip/experience in welding so I hope I don't have to go there. Cosmetics is not much of a concern as this is my trackmeister, but I'd still like to have a check strap in there so the door doesn't bend backwards if a wind catches it when opened. Anyone have to fix theirs? Advice welcome pleeease!!


Edward

theiceman

Just did this one, The door check stop is readilly available at Pelican or most other after market suppliers. You have to take the inside door panel off but it is pretty straight forward. What you really need to check for is damage to the door skin where the check stop assembly fastens. If it is damaged there is a kit available ( again from Pelican ) that reinforces the area. This kit is not cheap given it is 2 metal plates , but it does work well and will get you up and going. I will post a couple of pics later as I am not at my home PC.

Bottom line is parts are available .. easy fix.

ice

Edward

Oooh yeah! Thanks, Ice!

So it's a DIY w/o any welding, and it's easy? ...wow, couldn't ask for better! Whenever you get a chance to post pics, that'd be great. Will check on the inside area of the door skin. Thanks, Ice!!!

Edward

ron mcatee

Edward, when you open the door all the way, look on the front side of it where the strap is bolted on. There will be two 10mm hex head bolts holding the strap to the door. As the iceman stated, it is pretty straight forward for removal/replacement (R&R). Remove the pin from the door jam and the 10mm bolts from the door, etc. and the unit slips right out. If only the strap was broken, you probably don't have damage to the inner door support where the two 10mm bolts attach. Sometimes the damage is bad enough that it tears the metal a little and there's a kit (iceman referred to) for putting backing plates on each side of the door to support the new strap. I don't think your situation is that bad, i.e., only strap is broken. Good luck.

Peter Zimmermann

...and, if you have aftermarket speakers, you might not have to remove the door panel - just the speaker!
Pete

Droops83

It's nice that on these earlier 911s the door brake itself is the part that breaks, and it's easy to replace. On the 993s, it is pretty common for the door brake to rip out of the door frame, necessitating the removal of the whole door and cutting the remainder of the old mount out and welding a new mount in place and reinforcing it so it doesn't happen again. And you have to get some paint mixed to repaint the repaired area, and cover the whole interior well so an errant spark from welding doesn't singe the carpet or leather . . . not a fun job. Let's all be glad that early 911s are such solidly built cars! (not saying 993s are not, but they have couple areas such as the above that were problems, and the glass fitment---but still way better than 996s!)

---

Chris Andropoulos
Schneider Autohaus
Santa Barbara, CA

butzip

Peter, You took the words right out of my mouth!! This is one of the first things I did on my 88' cab when I got it. I bought 2 factory pcs off E-bay for $25 each and simply removed the speakers to gain access. Total time per door approx 15 minutes.

Btw - this same technique works on 1999 Honda Odyssey

Brgds, Peter

theiceman

after market speakers? cutting a hole in the door panel !! ! ugh .. :-)

theiceman

Okay Here we go ..
I would certainly recommend anyone replacing the check stop put in the plates, it is very cheap insurance compared to a door repair or replacement. The new door checks are the two step ones and are significantly stiffer at the beginning, putting MORE strain on the door metal, and if your taking the door check out anyway it is not much more work ...

Here are some pics of what COULD happen and how to repair it .. You actually DO NOT want to weld the door where the plates go . this allows the plates to compress completely and fix the door . If you weld it there will be highspots and stop the compression effect of the plates.
I think yours is just a busted check stop but this will maybe encourage other to check if they hear there door creaking or popping on opening.

Peter Zimmermann

ice: What the heck is that blue gak?

Pete

theiceman

okay I just new someone was going to ask .. it HAD to be you

okay so maybe I didn't realize my door was busted up when I first got the car,

The door strap was squeeking like crazy and "popping' when I opened the door ( the two metal busted metal pieces moving against each other.. hey you Californians know all about plate tectonics right ?.. ) ) ... So instead of doing a thorough inspection I sprayed in some high pressure grease into the check stop assembly

It is all cleaned up now with no evidence of such a lazy slack *** repair....

Edward

Thanks all for all the suggestions ...and thanks Ice, for the pics!!! I've been swamped at work so haven't had the chance yet, but will eventually check out pelican for that part. I will report back upon my success... Thanks!!!


Edward

theiceman

Oh Edward I forgot to mention you may have to reuse your old pin where it ataches to the car. I could not get the new ones to fit. The old one works great..

Edward

Oooh, thanks for that tip. I just ordered the part from Pelican ...$40 is a whole lot better than the checkstrap nightmare that 993s endure. Thanks again!

Edward

Edward

Just an update:

Thanks, all, for what turned out to be one of the easiest DIY tasks I've performed! After the posted failures of door check straps on 993s and the cost of addressing those (welding and painting, ugh!), imagine my relief when I pop this part in my SC and voila! Thanks all for the info and tips!


Edward