Door Stop Adjustment

[Deanj]

Is there a way to adjust the Squarebird door stops? I looked at chapter 14 of the shop manual and didn't see anything to address this. There isn't a star wheel or anything I can see. My door will stay open if the car is level, but any bias and it won't remain open while I sit inside.

Dean

[jopizz]

Not that I know of. It's more a case of worn hinges than any sort of adjustment.

John

[Yadkin]

Is it the same type hinge as the '64-'66? If so there is a spring loaded mechanism acting on two nylon tabs that act on the hinge detents. When the stops wear the door will no longer hold.

In the picture, the spring is in the background. It acts on the tabs contained within the parkerized light gauge steel.

Replacement nylon tabs are available. Another trick, if the passenger side is holding properly, is to swap out one of the two tabs with the driver's door.

[Deanj]

Yes, thank you. I see that the bottom tab acting on the detents at the bottom hinge on both doors is worn nicely. It's worn so nicely the doors close without assistance and will not stay open.

I see the way to replace these nylon stops is remove the 2 Phillips head screws on the spring loaded door stop. The front screw is easy, but the rear screw is located between the spring which probably requires a Phillips head on a small ratchet. Then the assembly should come out. Place the bottom of the door stop assembly in a vice and use pliers to compress the spring ends to remove the stops. Reverse procedure to install stops.

Then all you need to do is install and screw the assembly back in the door hinge. Easy...hah!

Dean

[Yadkin]

The top tab also acts on the top detents. Wear eye protection when working on that spring.
Pictured is one of my favorite tools, a 1/4" or 5/16" (female) ratchet with an assortment of bits, including a #3 Phillips. $20 at Lowes.

[Deanj]

Steve, here's a good post from another site that addresses this.

http://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&p=89522

Thanks again. Dean

[Deanj]

Well, as usual this door stop nylon replacement isn't going according to Hoyle. It seems I need to find a stout Phillips head ratchet-or the door needs to come off to get to the stop mechanism.

Unlike the 1964-66, the 58-60 door stop mechanism is bit more hidden. The problem is finding the right tool with a large Phillips head, then getting enough force on the large Phillips screws. Then the second screw is located in the middle of the spring past the jam behind the side cowl. I doubt removing the front screw is enough to sneak the nylon stops into the assembly with the force of the spring.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dean

[Yadkin]

The screws are likely rusted in. Let PB blaster or other good penetrant help you out a bit. You can also use wood wedges to keep the tool planted into the screw head.

[Deanj]

The screws aren't rusted so much as painted. The big problem is the rear Phillips screw that I just can't find the right tool with the right angle. The choice of screws by Ford was bad. This needed a hex head except I think the nylon stops were never thought a replacement part.

I found a small access hole in the kick panel area, yet I still can't get a angle on the rear screw. (I was more concerned on how I was going to get the screw started once it was out, but a flexible claw tool solved that.)

I just need the correct ratchet or whatever tool with a #3 Phillips screwdriver to get pressure on the screw.

Dean

[Dakota Boy]

Use an "impact screwdriver" to get those big screws loose. Harbor Freight sells them for not too much $.

[Deanj]

I would love to if the tool could reach the screw.