Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

saw this in another thread and i didnt wanna hijack it.



now how do you guys think it would be structurally if one was to cut out all of that, then replace it with an aluminum X? i was thinking it would be easier to get to the window motor and regulator if anything broke. and lighter as well.

Mathius

I think it would be an extremely horrible idea and if you ever got hit in the door in an accident you'd spend a great deal of time in the hospital.

Mathius

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

but would it really be more dangerous than a fiberglass door?

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

How often do you need to gain access to the regulator/motor that you feel the need to do this?
Not to mention those items & others are riveted to that piece of sheetmetal you want to cut away!

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

well on my 4th gen i've had it off numerous times for the window motor + speaker. and i may not be as much on my 3rd gen, but when i do have it of thats when it really matters.

plus i figured for those that want to save weight, this could be an alternative

ah touche, i suppose if structure wasn't the problem then that would be.

but you dont think by taking out the outlined, and replacing it with say, impact bars would be ok?

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

So how are you saving weight?

Mathius

How is that question even relevant? Thirdgen fiberglass doors aren't intended for street use and they don't protect you at all. They're designed for racing vehicles with a cage to protect the driver.

Mathius

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

4th gen doors are fiberglass

LoweredWS6

Did you mean SMC?

SMC panels are formed by a high-pressure mold compressing a mix of fiberglass, resin, catalyst and release agent. SMC pieces are smoother than press molded fiberglass panels and have a marbled appearance – typically gray in color. Note SMC panels require special adhesives for bonding.

SMC is bit different than press molded or hand laid fiberglass replacement parts for cars.

90 camaro cj

also the 4th gen doors have some steal reinforcements in it as well still anyways

stealthroc89

The doors are a key part of the bodys rigidity, if you make them structurally weaker you will gain more flex in the body.

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

ah well it was just a thought.

did the third gens get the impact bars like in the above pictures in the later years? i'm not sure if my 84 has them

Mathius

No, they're SMC which is a type of composite (read plastic with some fiberglass strands in it) and 4th gen's happen to be about 300 lbs heavier than 3rd gens on average, so what made you think they were a good example?

As other users have said above, the inner and outer skin on a 4th gen is SMC, but inside the door you will find inner structural steel beams.

Mathius

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

just saying how they aren't made out of steel, and you can easily break off a piece with pliers.

i'm not going to really do it, i was just entertaining a thought

Mathius

And you thought this was a good thing for the doors on your car?

Best idea you've had yet.

Mathius

Convoy25

iTrader: (3)

i had to make small holes to get to the rivets to take out the old window motor