Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I've pulled the aluminum door strike plates on my 51 200 to clean them up after the car was painted. I noticed that the inverse "V" teeth are worn. On ebay, there are three of them for sale, but the teeth are replaceable plastic rather than cast aluminum. First question does the wear make a difference? Second, will the later version with the plastic work? thanks

Your striker plates shouldn't be aluminum. They are die cast zinc. Anyway, the nylon piece is the way to go, if they ever get excessive wear you don't have to replace the whole unit.

Oh you are correct - they are zinc compound, not aluminum. Soft, but not that soft. I'll have to try Ebay again - the ones I saw closed several hours ago. thanks

some of the striker plates where one piece, the teeth where part of the casting, my 54s and a plastic insert, years ago i made an end mill to cut a chunk of teflon to make the plastic peaces, i cut a section about 12 inches long, and milled the length with the teeth, then cut them down to the thickness about 1/2 inch.

Pretty neat - you would't have any left by any chance would you? I plan on switching the the newer style, as the all metal ones are pretty chewed up.

Several places have inserts so you could do one or probably even make up a set -- packards1, max, kanter all have new.

Since your striker already has messed up teeth, wonder how hard it would be to mill those off to accept a new factory nylon insert instead of making that part or if that would be less than buying a used or new complete assy.

I don't know if all of the metal strikers had the thin plate covering the teeth. If so, that slight difference in thickness might be something to work around if using the factory item.

Attach file:

---

  (23.89 KB)

Here's a photo of the driver side strike plate. As you can see, it is badly worn. I have managed to get some used ones that have the nylon insert, so maybe I can improve the operation. thanks for the info.

Attach file:

---

  (53.05 KB)