MTFCA Forum

My 1909 Touring doors have footman loops that were part of the original check strap assemblies. The hinge posts were re-wooded by others, and do not have evidence showing how the check straps were fastened at these posts. Researching these, I find examples where some straps are secured with cup washers and screws on both sides of the strap. Another example has a footman loop attached to the door, and screws attaching the strap post side. I found yet another example that does not appear to be a Ford, but where there are footman loops at both ends of the strap.

I looked for replacement leather straps, but did not find a repro leather strap that has loops, as would be used for the footman application. Much appreciation if someone can inform me as to what was OEM correct, and possibly direct me top a supplier of these straps.

Regards,
Scott

August 09 Beaudette alloy body, believed never responded or retrimmed.

Shoul have said never rewooded! Spell check!

Hello Jem:
Thanks large for these excellent photos...great looking original car. I will check with Russ Furstnow to see if this style of strap is one of his leather products. Mine has a similar door panel with the footman loop.

Separately, I recall you were rebuilding your no-rivet rear end, and I hope this effort was a success.

Regards,
Scott

Check for a Tandy leather shop or other leather supply shop I just bought 4 inch wide leather for door stops on the 1937 Horch they had black an natural they also had the brass rivet ,leather in 2,3,4 inch cheers Colin

Many thanks Collin....will check into this.
Regards,
Scott

The door straps on my Beaudett bodied October 1909 touring are the screw version. When I had the upholstery off I did check for other holes as it didn’t want to nail into them. I don’t recall seeming any other holes in the vicinity that would result from using footman loops. I did use the straps that came in the kit of parts after several sessions with nedsfoot oil. The screws and brass cup washers were new From McMaster-Carr.

Many thanks for these recommendations and these photos. Shown is the upholstery arrangement that I have (many thanks to Elizabeth Estep and her shop). Original footman loop was located mid way down the top portion of the panel, directly on top of the gimp trim. An added note: Footman loops appear to be originals, where both the loop brackets and the round head screws have surviving brass plating. Plan is to replicate the plain Black strap as seen per Jem's example, where this will have one brass rivet attaching the strap to the loop, and then secured to the hinge post with(2) oval top brass screws with cup washers, as per Tony's photo.
Regards,
Scott

We have to remember these early bodies were craftsman made so there may be no single standard, it would have varied depending on which man was doing the job and what hardware was available. Like linestriping which varies from car to car.

Re my axle, that needs cooperation with a machine shop, not possible right now. I have turned to finishing my Model A (28 not 03).

Check straps installed. Many thanks to Russ Furstnow who made these straps up as specials. Perhaps a petty detail...both original and repro footman loops have counter drilled mounting holes, suggesting possible flat head or oval screws for mounting, however I used the round heads shown. These screws shown are believed to be the originals. Many thanks again to all for the help with this.
Regards,
Scott