My captive plate has escaped!!!

[Chapmag]

Hi, Now I have your attention. It appears that the captive receiver plate in the B post, the one the door striker (14A6832) bolts on to has disappeared. I'm assuming it's somewhere inside the B post, has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you overcome it? I'm probably going to try fishing line and hook tomorrow but any suggestion gratefully received. Even any input on the inside structure of the B post (ie any areas it may have have come to rest). The captive plate for the female dovetail (14A6835) is still in situ so is there a possibility it has come to rest there or am I likely to find it at the base of the B post (if indeed I can find it at all!!!!) Thanks in anticipation of any and all input. G.

[Peter Laidler]

This very same point was raised several months ago. Maybe someone who is computer literate can interrogate the system and find it

[Herbert]

Try raising the plate by using a really strong magnet. Try to use a skewer when you see any of the drill holes in it. Put a screw in it so it doesn't fall back down. Good luck! R

[Chapmag]

Thanks for your two comments, I'll start my forum search now. WRT the magnet, I did try one for 10 minutes but to no avail!! I'll try that and the fishing line/hook tomorrow. I have secured the one in the other B post (just in case)!!!

[Chapmag]

Peter Laidler, Is this the one your were thinking off? If so it got zero replies!! TIA, G.

[Peter Laidler]

I'm not sure about the magnet trick chaps. Surely the magnet will just be attracted to the 4 sides of the B post as it's being lowered. Even if it's fixed to a bit of bendy coat-hanger.

Or am I missing something - which isn't unusual with me.....

[InnoCooperExport]

I have a magnet on a telescoping stick which might be suitable. I got mine from HBM here in NL, which is a bit like a MachineMart but brilliant for cheap little handtools like that.

https://www.hbm-machines.com/nl/p/hbm-7 ... up-magneet

[Minigman]

I had the same thing happen to me a couple of months back as Peter referred to. Here’s a link

http://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?t=36694

I ended up drilling a 20mm hole in the back of the B post and making a new plate. It’s worked well and doesn’t really show unless you sit in the back. I’d intended to make up a painted gromet but had completely forgotten about it until I just read your post.

We tried fishing down the post from above and prodding up from below and with magnets etc but gave up and bit the bullet and just drilled it.

The original plate was nowhere to be found, the car had been on a spit and also had the roof replaced so there was plenty of time for it to escape and get swept up with the the rest of the car which mostly went in the bin.

Graham

[floormanager]

You've put me off replacing my door catches! Are they supposed to stay in situ when you remove the 3 screws?

[Chapmag]

Hi, floormanager, Yes they are supposed to be captive and stay in place. My passenger side is still in situ and I have inserted a screw thread to ensure it stays that way. I'd recommend leaving one screw in place. Wish the body restorer I used had done this!!!!! G

[Chapmag]

Hi, floormanager, Yes they are supposed to be captive and stay in place. My passenger side is still in situ and I have inserted a screw thread to ensure it stays that way. I'd recommend leaving one screw in place. Wish the body restorer I used had done this!!!!! G

[floormanager]

Hi, floormanager, Yes they are supposed to be captive and stay in place. My passenger side is still in situ and I have inserted a screw thread to ensure it stays that way. I'd recommend leaving one screw in place. Wish the body restorer I used had done this!!!!! G

Thank you. I will remove with great care!

[Chapmag]

Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whilst looking through my boxes of bits, I found the missing captive plate. I take back what I said about my body restorer. I can only imagine the plate dropped out of the top of the B post when it was on the spit. Now I'll follow Minigman's lead in drilling a 20cm hole in the back of the B post and re-installing it!!! All's well that ends well!!!! G.

[peasantslife]

Carefull...If you drill a 20cm hole all will not be well.
History reminds us to be wary, when the Vl'hurg entire battle fleet was swallowed by a small dog!

[Chapmag]

Peasantslife.. I'm afraid that comment is lost on me. I never got into Sci-fi. Indeed I haven't seen any Star Trek or similar films/series! G.

[Minigman]

Carefull...If you drill a 20cm hole all will not be well.
History reminds us to be wary, when the Vl'hurg entire battle fleet was swallowed by a small dog!

If you drill a 20cm (8 inch) hole you’re right all would not be well. I’d stick with the 20mm hole.

[peasantslife]

No worries, It relates to needing to be careful with scale, It comes from Douglas Adams Hitchikers Guide, First came across as a Radio 4 serialisation in the early '80's. Mr Adams writing provides an oblique view on human behaviours wrapped up in a humorous story. No offence intended.

[Chapmag]

Hahahahahaha!!! I'm of an age that is (obviously) more comfortable with imperial measurements!!!!! Thanks to you both for pointing out my error! I'm now considering dropping the plate down from the top of the B post on a fishing line, securing with one screw and then cutting the fishing line through one of the other holes in the B post. Time will tell if I'm successful. G.

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

I'm now considering dropping the plate down from the top of the B post on a fishing line, securing with one screw and then cutting the fishing line through one of the other holes in the B post. Time will tell if I'm successful. G.

I'm now very... intrigued, and anxiously watching this thread to see the outcome of either result- after seeing the other gentlemans trials with his.

Hmmm..... what a problem!