On the inside center sheet metal there are staples that held something between the inner sheet metal and the door skin. Anyone know what it should be and does it fit firmly between the door skin and inner sheet metal frame.

Steve, attached are photos from an extra pair of 1950 hardtop/convertible doors I have. I see the staples but there was nothing attached when I bought this car.

It does look just like mine . Most likely the upholstery installer will be familiar it. He did at one time work for HC The project is in limbo as I am waiting on the paint/body shop . Not many shops in the area that will work on "restoration" cars and I can't afford the ones that do.

I too have an extra 1950 hardtop/convertible door with the same staples. The sound deadening material is missing from the one I have. Looking at the door that I have and the pictures above, the staples were all installed from the opposite side shown. Could they have been used to temporarily hold the sound deadening material in place prior to the door skin being crimped to the inner frame?

I agree whatever was stapled in was done before the door skin was attached. The sound deadening material on my 51 was attached with an adhesive-possibly an asphalt type product. I was thinking possibly a rubber bumper was stapled on to keep the door skin in place seeing it's such a large piece of sheet metal with little support. I could not find any reference in either the illustrations or index listing.

Maybe rubber anti squeak? That's just a guess.

I was going to say no but perhaps an anti-squeak for the window when down.

I wouldn't think they'd waste the time and money to put the staples in for nothing.

I agree and I prefer to know the answer before it's time to mount the door. I tried calling the Tech Advisor but got a message he is not taking calls at this time. I'll try an Email later today-just not sure the Tech Advisor is still active.

If the window rests in that area when it's down I'd bet a cup of coffee it's an anti rattle/squeak device.

I was able to get thru via phone but the TA was not there so will follow up in the AM.

I’ve been wandering around Carlisle the past couple days and came across this Fleetline 2dr sedan door. It has the staples but no evidence of anything other than the sound deadner. Mike

Interesting thread. By no means am I expert on these classic cars.

What I do know is that in the type of manufacturing and cost control environment Chevrolet had when they made these vehicles there was a reason for the staples. They would not waste the time and cost if those were not needed.

My best guess is that the sound deadener was stapled to the channel before the channel was installed in the fixture where it was welded into the door structure. It would be a lot easier and quicker to place the channel with that sheet attached rather than try to place the sheet and channel as 2 loose parts.

I can envision a process where the channels and reinforcements were spot welded together. Then the door skin was placed over that structure and welded into place.

I agree they had a purpose however the sound deadening material (waffle type felt paper) was attached to the inner surface of the door skin. The skin was crimped over the inner panel and spot welded in place. I have one door where the outer skin was replaced as it is tack welded on the edge of the crimp. There is also an early and late door shell but both have the staples . I did make contact with the TA and sent him photos so we will see if he can shed some light on the subject.