Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1956 Cadillac Door Hinge, hemming motor news, spring latch

Question
Hi.

This is going to be a bizarre request, but I have a bed & breakfast with theme suites in California (see www.thevick.com).  One of the theme suites has a 1956 Cadillac convertible as a bed.  For some reason, the door will no longer stay open as it used to - it just started to close on its own and was never a problem previously).  Any insight you can provide to fix it so that the door remains open after opening (spring, latch, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Answer
How cool! Well, I might suggest that you contact a local body shop. Thee are devices called "door checks" built into the hinges on these cars. Occasionally the springs break in these and can be replaced. The parts are avaiable through dalers that advertise in Hemming Motor News, the old car hobbies bible for classified ads. So, if the body guy tells you what you need after looking at it, yes I know he will have to make a house call, then you can order the parts and you are good to go.