I've owned my Mini now for at least five years and have never had the check strap on the drivers door that stops it from swinging open too far. And for a good reason, the previous owner welded a plate over the mounting holes in the foot well. I've never quite figured out why you would do that. Anyway does anybody have an idea how I could go about fixing it? Up until now I've just been careful to hold the door when it's open. Would be nice to fix it though I'm tired of it.

Just so you know the guy who built my car (bodged would be a better term) also removed the drivers door buffer plates, meaning that when you go over a big bump the door hits the frame of the car. Talk about dodgy!

If the plate is thick enough, drill and tap 2 holes in it, 5/16" UNF.

If it's not, cut it out again, weld another plate in with 2 5/16" UNF nuts tack welded on the inside.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Wot the Doc said ^^^^

Investigate the webbing thingammys or the wire thingy that brings the door to a halt with a thunk...otherwise you are continually touching up your hinges!!

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"Show me the Mini!"

If the webbing thingys are shagged, go make new ones from a surplus seatbelt...

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Just like Leyland did originally

The reason the PO probably welded the plate is that the cumulative effect of the door swinging open was to rip the inner end of the check strap out. If possible you could remove the plate and fit captive nuts before re-installing plate.....

Cheers, Ian

Anyone tried replacing the "seat belt" check strap with a flexible one so that the door doesn't snap open?
maybe even try putting a rub strap behind the solid one so that the door slowed down before it was open fully.

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

Mini doors are meant to be flung open....none of this cool, lets get out with dignity crap....thats what classic Mini ownership is all about

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"Show me the Mini!"

Can you still get the metal click-lock ones new?

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

You can still get the metal ones, from Mini Spares UK, last time I checked though they were out of stock, we will have to see if they ever get more. They are a great accessory, once you get used to the very loud CLICK when your doors open.... scared the bejesus out of me the first time I heard it!