Mike J

I have had the dreaded click noise on both door check strap mounts now, and fixed one by welding the top and bottom of the mount to the pillar, and am now fixing the other by welding the top and bottom. I made a mistake by only welding the bottom on one side...the weld broke in less than a year! But even welding is a marginal solution since the mount needs more surface area to distribute the load. I was thinking there must be another way without the expense of taking the fender off the car.

I was talking to my buddy who is into restoring old cars and is used to forming metal, and we are now developing a re-enforcing door check plate for the 993. This plate fits over the door check mount on the outside. It has a pressed indent with a machined rectangular hole that snugly holds the mount, and can be attached either with stainless screws or welded in place. The material is mid steel, bare for welding or can be powder coated for a screw attachment. We are also thinking of a Stainless Version for those who like polished metal, and versions that are prepainted with some of the more standard Porsche colors so they just bolt in.

The price is currently TBD but hopefully we will know more soon. I am trying to get an idea if there is a market for such a support, especially since this seems to be a chronic problem on the 993.

The downside of this approach is that there will be a visible plate on the door jam. The plate is about 2"x2". If it is welded in and painted the body color it won't be very visible. If its brushed stainless steel it should look pretty good for those who like to be more than visible!

Anyways, as a general survey, who would be interested? Or am I nuts?

Cheers,

Mike

Terry Adams

If I had the strap problem, I would be interested. I hope I have plenty of time to decide between the painted (Arena Red, DIY?) or brushed stainless. More likely the painted, otherwise I have to explain why the plate. I plan another BC drive one day, so I would drop by if it's needed.

Mr Michael B

Its a Good idea.

swftiii

The strap problem has just started to rear its ugly head so I would definately be interested.

Please keep me informed.

-Skip

Paul M

I hate the thought of having to weld or bolt anything to fix this problem.

However, I hate the thought of spending $600-$1000 to fix it by removing the front wing and door even more... So would be interested.

Has anyone investigated the cause as opposed to the solution? I've noticed that the door 'grabs' and clicks at two locations when being opened and closed. Is there something somewhere inside the door that causes extra resistance at these two points. Or is it due to the angle of the check strap? Anyone got any ideas?

Jeff 993TT

I'd be interested too!

Jeff

John H. in DC Area

I'm interested, now. I was supposed to fix my broken driver's side door over the winter holidays but never got around to leaving my car at the body shop for the 7 days they asked for.

Gee993

I'd be interested. My body shop (one with a good general rep) estimates $650 for one side (only the driver side is clicking so far). It really bugs me in that it makes the p-car sounds cheaper than my Acura.

Also, call pelicanparts - they sell a reinforcement kit. Not sure if it's on the door side or the pillar, but worth checking out.

Gee993

From the pelicanparts site:

"Is your door swinging open widely? Did you accidentally bang that Mercedes parked next to you while the driver was sitting in his car? You probably need a new door stay. These often wear out after many years of service. Replacement is easy, and while you're at it, install the door stop reinforcement kit. This plate reinforces the metal on the door to prevent fatigue and tearing of the door panel--a worthwhile upgrade if you're planning on keeping your car for many years.Made from heavy gauge steel and Cad-Plated for corrosion resistance, installs with simple hand-tools. No cutting or welding required.

NOTE: Reinforcement Kit does NOT come with a door stay. Professional installation recommended."

Part Number: Door Stay Reinforcement Kit (Does not come with door stay)
PEL-911-DSRK-01

I'd call them and see how it works. Let me know what you find out.

WelshChris

There is a company in the UK called "Type 911" (who are a general parts supplier) advertising the following:

"911 Door Strap Repair Kit, repairs door strap area damage without welding, kit repairs one door in minutes, complete with instructions"

I can't quite see how it works, but I'm sure someone will be able to figure it out! <img border="0" alt="[blabla]" title="" src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" />

I've never tried this before, but here (hopefully) is the pic from their site:

<img src="http://www.type-911.co.uk/images/carprotection/strapkit.jpg" alt=" - " />

The url of the page that advertises this stuff is at:

<a href="http://www.type-911.co.uk/gp_exteriors.htm" target="_blank">http://www.type-911.co.uk/gp_exteriors.htm</a>

The item in question is listed about a third of the way down.

Hope this helps!

Chris

duc916

Some of the kits I have seen are for fixing the door side of the check strap. From your description you are looking into a fix on the A-pillar side, is this correct? I am very interested in a fix for that problem.

Dan

GeoT3

Paul M and all,

The Door check/stop on the 993 is not a new or flawed design. I have seen it on Hondas/Mazdas alike. The 993's problem is that the A-pillar, the base of the door check is welded to, is WEAK/THIN METAL. Therefore, with age and cycling of the heavy 993 door the A-pillar sheet metal will tear apart. The loud and embarrassing clicking noise you hear is from the door check base ripping the A-pillar apart.

I had mine fixed by a body shop recommended by my OPC. They said they get a lot of these. Their fix was to grind the rust from the A-pillar and build up the base area by welding and also welding the protruding section of the door stop to the outer A-pillar.

Its been over 2 years and knock on wood it has held. Of course I have been very gentle with the door also. Not letting it swing all the way open without guidance.

tom_993

Mike,
I don’t have the problem, but if I did I would be interested in your solution. It would be helpful if you could post some pictures. Ideally, before and after pictures, or even pictures of the installation process.

Tom
’95 993

Mike J

Sure sounds like there is a need for this!

The pictures and products on the market are for the door side of the problem...where the door check strap is bolted onto the door. Sounds like most of us need a solution for the pillar side. I am not sure how well this will work yet. I have tried the welding route but am not happy with the solution.

I need to get my car back to continue working on this. Will keep the list posted!

Cheers,

Mike

WillyC4S

Mike,

I'm interested in this solution. I definitely don't want to paint the vehicle with a weld spot to boot.

Maybe you can sell this solution to Porsche and have them incorporate this into a recall program like they did for the early 993 wiring harness. If it's cheap enough you might get them to bite.

*****