Door check straps and why you should close the door before starting a rally stage

[Alex Postan]

On the Three Castles Rally earlier this month I proved to myself that Gordon Brown is not the only twit in the UK. We were waiting in the queue for one of the tests at Bodelwyddan and, unusually for North Wales in June, it was sunny and baking hot. So, the driver's door was open to let in some air and guess what? I hadn't closed the driver's door. And the first corner was a left hander. The door flew open with such force that it broke the steel door retaining strap and jammed the stub so that the door wouldn't close and I had to complete the test holding the door to with one hand while steering and changing gear with the other.

The time came to replace it and so I asked my local Porsche if they had one listed. There is one listed and it is a continuation part that fits all up to a 964. Coincidentally I found one on eBay listed as 911/964 so I bought it. Then I tried to fit it. It doesn't fit! The old one has bolt centres that are 4.5mm further apart than the original and ovalising the holes is not an option. By the way, the door came from a 1972 911E.
In the photo' below, the original broken part is on the right and the more modern bit is to the left. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement used or new door check strap?

 

[Alex Postan]

And here is a picture of an apprentice Gordon Brown and the car with its door open ten yards from the start.

 

[Lightweight_911]

Alex - I may have some used ones but won't get a chance to check for a few days.

 

[vitesse]

Alex,
Seems a very slow stage if drivers can get out to check the route-oh I now realise you mean 10 yds before the start.[]

 

[Alex Postan]

Andy,
That would be very helpful. My email is alexander@postan.plus.com
Thank you
AP

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

I also forgot to shut my door once at a timed sprint event... [8|]