A couple door questions

[firefighter]

I have a few door questions for those of you that have worked with them before.

Question 1:
My doors have 2 vents / louvers in them. The one on the rear of the door is unrestricted and open. The one that is (circled in red) on the inside of the door had some kind of plastic assembly on it. As I understand, it had some kind of flappers on it that would allow you to shut the doors easier if the windows were closed?
Well on my last truck rebuild, I didn't even put anything on there. As I'm rebuilding my truck this time, I'd like to put those plastic flapper assemblies in place but mine were broken. Is there a source for new ones or do I not even need to worry about putting them in?


Question 2:
My new doors don't have the holes for the Chevy mirrors.
My last doors had the special crimped nuts installed into the sheet metal. I don't have one of those special tools. Can I just use regular screws and nuts or do I need to find one of those tools?

[Elpresidente]

Don't worry 'bout it. I had to replace that entire lower section on both of my doors, I never put the plastic pieces back in and it didn't make a difference.

[jdl71]

I'm swapping doors/mirrors myself, so I'd like to follow along regarding the mirror question. I took those crimped nuts out but really didn't know how they went in. I figured you just drilled a hole and drove them in, but I guess there's a special tool for installation? Do you know if they can be reused? I'm guessing not if they're crimped. I would think you could drill your holes and then tack weld a nut on the back side of the door if you can get in there.

[Blazin]

Nuts and bolts will work fine for the mirrors. The bottom one has a brace that goes to the inside of the door shell to keep the mirror from shaking and to help the skin survive the weight of the mirror hanging off it.
The nutsert tool is based on a rivet gun. I was just looking in a Bond Auto Parts flier tonight. They sell the tool in a case with a few other attachments and a handfull of nuts for about $120.00

[bd]

I have a few door questions for those of you that have worked with them before.

Question 1:
My doors have 2 vents / louvers in them....

One of the functions of the "one-way" louvers is to help control the amount of dust intrusion into the cab, thrown up by the front wheels.  They certainly aren't crucial, but they might have some value if you spend much time in the dirt(?).

Question 2:
...My new doors don't have the holes for the Chevy mirrors.
My last doors had the special crimped nuts installed into the sheet metal. I don't have one of those special tools....

...and...

Nuts and bolts will work fine for the mirrors. The bottom one has a brace that goes to the inside of the door shell to keep the mirror from shaking and to help the skin survive the weight of the mirror hanging off it.The nutsert tool is based on a rivet gun. I was just looking in a Bond Auto Parts flier tonight. They sell the tool in a case with a few other attachments and a handfull of nuts for about $120.00

The brace Blazin describes is quite important!  Mirror shake will drive you crazy, and will eventually fatigue and crack the sheet metal.  Follow the link to Capt's tech section for info on your mirror install:

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,18539.0.html

BTW:  In a pinch I've installed Nutserts w/o the tool, but once you begin expanding (crimping) the Nutsert your somewhat committed.  As another option, you can use the plastic coated moly-type "Jacknuts" that the factory uses.  They're available at some hardware stores.  I mention both of these options, because its mightry convenient not to have to tear the doors apart to service the mirrors.  Only the top two holes need the "special" nuts; the mirror brace (reinforcement in the illustration) is threaded and replaces the lower anchor nut.  If you don't already have the reinforcements, they can be formed from 3/8" rod stock.  Unless you get them with a complete mirror kit, the reinforcements are obsolete.  Best of luck with your project.   

[VileZambonie]

You need jacknuts and they only need a 1/4x20" bolt to install them

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,17737.msg141255.html#msg141255

[firefighter]

Thanks for the replies to my door questions. You guys are the best!!

Instead of using screws and nuts, I'm going to get some of the jacknuts. That way if I ever have to pull a mirror, I can do it easily.
I did keep the mirror brace bracket from my previous doors and I'll be using them.

Thanks again guys and have a great day.

[Blazin]

You canalso get rubber unserts with brass nut in them. As you tighten the bolt it expands the rubber.

[VileZambonie]

For reference... Maybe this should go in the tech section?

Jack nuts





Nutserts



I prefer the coated jack nuts the best

[bd]

Vile, GMC & Volvo Truck OEMs refer to the bottom image as "Well Nuts," and I believe these are what Blazin is talking about.  Go to this link for an animated installation of nutserts:

http://www.avdel-global.com/en/products/threaded-inserts/thin-sheet-nutsertr.html

As you mentioned, the coated Jacknut at the top left is what Chevy & GMC use.

You should add them to the Tech section for reference.

[Blazin]

Yes well nuts, I couldn't think of the correct name. thanks.

[beastie_3]

For reference... Maybe this should go in the tech section?

Jack nuts





Nutserts



I prefer the coated jack nuts the best

Tech it

[firefighter]

Oh yes, Jack Nuts.

Got em from the local Ace Hardware.

Ace IS the Place !!!

Thanks again guys!!

[VileZambonie]

Here's a part # for some. These ones are not rubber coated.