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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1956 Cadillac Door Hinge

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Expert: - 5/6/2011


Question
Hi.

This is going to be a bizarre request, but I have a bed & breakfast with theme suites in California (see www.thevick.com).  One of the theme suites has a 1956 Cadillac convertible as a bed.  For some reason, the door will no longer stay open as it used to - it just started to close on its own and was never a problem previously).  Any insight you can provide to fix it so that the door remains open after opening (spring, latch, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Answer
How cool! Well, I might suggest that you contact a local body shop. Thee are devices called "door checks" built into the hinges on these cars. Occasionally the springs break in these and can be replaced. The parts are avaiable through dalers that advertise in Hemming Motor News, the old car hobbies bible for classified ads. So, if the body guy tells you what you need after looking at it, yes I know he will have to make a house call, then you can order the parts and you are good to go.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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