Worlds dumbest question:door pull straps for closing

[powrby4d]

Ok here goes.
How are the cobra doors intended to be closed without a strap or handle to pull?
Is using your hand on the painted outside of the door to pull it closed the proper procedure? As far as I know the original cars didn’t have any handle or strap on the inside so I’m sure this is just a dumb question.
If it really is just pulling on the outside top of the painted door, Wondering if people have any problems with stuff like
Wedding ring scratches?
Slippery doors when wet?
How to close the door tight with side curtains in place? ( mine are plexiglass so there really is no way to pull the door closed with them closed)
Maybe the answer is just it’s a roadster, that’s the way it’s done.
But I do have to solve the side curtain question.

[Alfa02]

My 289 car has a top with no door pull's and side curtain's. The biggest issue I came across was door alignment, once properly aligned no problem. Now the 427 car came with no door pull's and a remote opener, no latch. So closing the door became a issue, didn't like the leather strap idea. The 356 Porsche Speedster's came with polished alum. door pull's that after used, would lie flat against the door card. But @ $159ea. too much money. Sooooooo..... what other cars use those, and lo-and be-hold the lowly little Fiat 500-600 use the same type pull (Also polished Alum) for sum of $39ea (Sorry, sorry, these show pounds, but you can find them here, in dollars). They work great, look good, and may be the answer for your issue. My $ .03 Cheers TommyRot. https://www.middlebartongarage.com/P...-PAIR/11354/96

[powrby4d]

Thanks for the suggestion as to how to have nice looking pulls that lie flat as an alternative to a strap. I might just give that a try.
I also have a door alignment issue which is another story- driver door has to be lifted just before it hits the catch to close solidly, but I haven’t been able to find any slop in the door to hinge connection or the hinge to body connection. But that’s another project. Thanks for the idea on the pulls and confirmation that I’m not the only person scratching my head over this topic.

[DanEC]

I have used the leather door opening straps that are looped around he know on the door release on 427 street cars to pull my door shut. I usually just give it a gentle tug to start the door closing and then let momentum finish closing the door. Sometime I use my hand on the upper door skin to close it - but I don't wear any rings. Not sure if tugging on the leather strap is the best idea but worked so far.

[kevins2]

I had my doors covered with XPEL - easiest part of the job since the doors are mostly flat. I still close them without touching them, though. Got in the habit of grabbing the side curtain grommet with my thumb and index finger. No fingerprints...

[desgros@vtlink.]

A gentle push with my knee works well. No finger prints or scratches.


John
ERA #3010 Slabside 289 SB BRG

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by desgros@vtlink.

A gentle push with my knee works well. No finger prints or scratches.


John
ERA #3010 Slabside 289 SB BRG

The OP is asking about from the seated position.

[desgros@vtlink.]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

The OP is asking about from the seated position.

Understood.

Thanks,

John

ERA #3010 Slabside 289 SB BRG

[A-Snake]

Original leaf spring and coil spring cars had leather straps attached to opening lever and mounted at the other end under the upper door frame tube. I use the strap to hold the lever open and pull the door closed by the upper door frame tube and release the strap when door is closed. Or just pull it shut from the upper door frame tube. Not a big deal.

[CHANMADD]

The Originals had a leather .round strap to the door latch at the back and under the front of the door'

[Dan Case]

How the original 1960s cars were fitted. Cobra and 427 Cobra door frames are different and the straps are different and attached at the forward ends differently.The straps were for operating the latch levers. I always handle doors with finger tips under the top rail tubing. Cobra straps were just looped at both ends. 427 Cobra straps were attached with screws to the door frame.

[hauss]

I use top top inside of door, no finger prints, no stretching straps ,or curtains {map holders}.

[BigGuy]

Hauss.....
(quote) I use top top inside of door, no finger prints, no stretching straps ,or curtains {map holders}. (Quote)

I agree ..... This is how I do it and it works.

[FredG]

Grab top of door and close. Put a clear piece of Xpel or 3m paint protection on top of door.

Fred

[MKS427]

Latch lever works fine for me.

[tonywyso]

I pull it closed by the hinge bracket, FFR car.