Wilsons Sandbox

Thought I would pass on a fix that improves the attachment of the doors to
the body frame on T series cars, especially the TC. As we all know, the
weak link on door attachment is the wood screws used between the door hinge
and the body post. A tapered wood screw is ok when it is new and fully
engaged. The problem occurs when "play" begins through use. You simply
cannot tighten the screw anymore. We are then left with increasing the
size or length-temporary at best.
I have found a solution and although it is not "stock", is not detectable.
On my TC, I have installed brass inserts into the body timber. These
particular inserts were made by CEM Corporation. The design of the insert
features a buttress type external thread (flat on the pullout side) and
1/4-20 internal threads. A 3/8 dia. hole is required to install the insert
and once installed, a standard flat head machine screw can be used to attach
the hinge.
Pull out force of this insert is tremendous and the unique thread design
does not damage the wood in the direction of force. You can now remove
doors and reinstall without the worry of maintaining a tight fit.

Chuck Poe
chuck@trueform-tn.com

Chuck,
Glad to hear that you've successfully used metal inserts to mount your
door hinges! Good information, THANKS!
The inserts you refer to are sometimes known as "threaded sleeves". They
are available in several sizes, and at least two types (one type is installed
using a straight-bladed screwdriver; the other with a hex key--the hex-drive
type is probably better , since the former are easily broken if the wood is
too hard, or the installation hole is a bit too tight), and in either diecast
metal or brass/bronze. I have several of them, but just haven't gotten
around to installing them.
I plan to use them to mount the strikers on the door latches, which are
constantly going loose on my TC. My only concern is whether the large holes
required will weaken the wood frame too much. Have you any comment on that
concern??
Regards,
Carl Fritz

-I too would be worried about the loss of strength in the wood frame when
using an insert. I have found that drilling out the screw hole in the body
timber just enough to reach sound wood and then carefully epoxying a wood
dowell into this hole works well. The original type of screw can now be
used. By the way, wood screws are not tapered along their length except for
a short "lead in" portion near the tip.
Hugh Pite '48 TC '33 J-2

Hi Chuck and all,

Brass threaded inserts are indeed a door-saver. I have used them on both the
TA and SA Tickfords which have heavy doors with excellent results. MG
designers knew Tickford doors were heavy and added a third hinge to help
out, but as you point out, wood screws eventually 'get tired'. Additional
areas for brass threaded inserts are fenders, hood bow frame, and door lock
plates. For numerous adjustment fittings prior to paint, threaded allen
screws go in and out fast, slotted screws of course for the final fit.
Cheers, Lee Jacobsen, Dearborn MI.