VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Door Check Cushions on '31 Four Door Sp. Sedan

While the interior is out I've installed new door stop bumper/cushions. The threaded check rod allows considerable adjustment. How far should the doors open? Should they, when open, be at a 90 degree angle to the body?

Best Regards,

Tom

That is why the door check rod is adjustable to that you can adjust the amount the door opens to suit your needs.

If your car had side mounted tires you would need to adjust the doors to only open so they didn't hit the tires. Without side mounts the doors can open wider.

Quick question. I will be getting my doors back soon. I thought the door checks where a nut welded to a washer but for some reason, I can't find mine. Is that correct? There is a plate screwed into the jam that appears to hold another piece of rubber that wipes the check rod. I assume the bumper would then go around the rod then the washer locknut combo screwed on. Is that correct. I haven't found any pictures yet to show me.

Thanks, Ted

I only have the 2 door Coach so a Sedan may be different. For my front doors, the door check starts at the door with a bracket installed inside door which has a mounting point protruding which allows for the check rod to be riveted to it and free to pivot. The rod goes into an oblong hole in the front door post sheetmetal, and on through the wood door post. Then a large washer, a 3/4" dia spring (2-3" long)is slipped over the rod along with another large washer and then a double nut (or a locknut if you prefer). At least that is what was on my car when I got it, mine has twin sidemounts, so as indicated, doors don't open full width. Spring assists in stopping door from opening with a bang. No indication of any rubber grommets /bumpers etc.

The 1929-32 Chevrolet parts book lists a door check link rubber bumper and a door check link cushion for 1930 thru 1932.

The parts book lists:
Stop, door check link
Cushion, door check link
Bumper, door check link pillar

I'm thinking the cushion goes on the rod and the bumper is attached to the pillar somehow. Is the "bumper" attached to "stop" (possibly the washer/nut that I mentioned earlier)? I thought the one I remember I had, and can't seem to find, had a rubber washer glued to it.

I did find three 1/4" thick harder type rubber cushions that fit perfect over the metal plate that's attached to the back of the pillar. They fit into the cutout area in the wood perfectly and almost stay put on their own so I assume the three I have are most likely the "cushions". I'm probably over thinking this too much and should just use the rubber cushions and make up the washer/lock nut stops.

That sounds like a good idea!

When I was working on my '31 Five Passenger, I started by using a very soft, springy rubber bushing. My idea was that this would help cushion the door when it opens all the way.

What I found, was that it was TOO springy. I replaced with with a much firmer rubber washer (maybe two, I can't remember) and then it felt much better. Only need enough rubber to stop the door when it's swinging wide open... don't need to "soften" it. Just quietly stop it.

--Bill B

That is pretty much how the door check was intended to work when the car was new.

I have posted a photo on members photos showing what mine looks like with new parts.

Interesting, my Canadian built car had a pair of washers and a short spring here, no rubber parts. May be an alteration from a PO, work great.

Hi Tom,
Apologies for high jacking your post but my question could be linked to yours, and is with regards to the rubber buffers situated in the door frame.
My 29 Tourer has a few of the said buffers missing. Does anyone pehapse know who sells these rubbers and part numbers please? I also need to know how they are attached. It seems like a press fit except for the ones which sit on the rear door fender curve.
Thanks gents,
Regards
Chris

Hello Floats,
Don't know if this will help, but, try looking at 'Bob's Automobilia' under 'Door check bumpers' or other search words.

TKS Harry,
Regards
Chris