door check straps

[Reckless Rat]

It actually now makes sense - the metal strap across the bottom of the ventilator provides the resistance for the check strap. Elsewhere the A pillar is just a right angle so not as strong to resist a hefty pull from the door. However, mine has been like this since the 1980s and I see no reason for me to change it. I'm always careful about opening the doors and never let them open right to the limit of the check straps as there's a likelyhood of the door connecting with the front wing in extremis.

I think the Pebble Beach rivet counters would probably need counselling after looking at my car!