IKE goes under the knife (Vertical Doors)

[Woody14619]

Thanks for the info intocoasters... now I have to think about it.

Originally Posted by Padawan

One of the primary things that concerns me when seeing this modification is what potential impact it has on the safety of the car in a crash.

Well, considering the normal hinge came off in one of the five crashes, I'm betting this doesn't do much worse. But even if it does, the main structure of the door and the frame won't change. This just changes a piano style hinge with a slightly more complex two hinge system. It can't be weaker than what it's replacing...

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by Woody14619

Well, considering the normal hinge came off in one of the five crashes, I'm betting this doesn't do much worse. But even if it does, the main structure of the door and the frame won't change. This just changes a piano style hinge with a slightly more complex two hinge system. It can't be weaker than what it's replacing...

My understanding is that the hinge held up fine, and that the door unlatched (though this may be related to an issue with the early door latch mechanisms that also kept some doors from closing). I'm not saying with certainty that the replacement hinges adversely affect safety, just that it's worth giving some thought to.

"It can't be weaker than what it's replacing..." somehow brings to mind another more well-known statement: "That guy's gotta stop... He'll see us."

[John_H]

Hey, intocoasters...

Happy Birthday!

[foyfarlow]

eric its your birth day?

[Godfather]

Jeez, when you modify a car in any way you give up any expectation that it's going to react the way it did as designed. I'm sure the owner accepts the risk. This door thing isn't for me, but doesn't look nearly as bad as the same thing done to a Ford truck.

[smartHHO]

Originally Posted by Padawan

One of the primary things that concerns me when seeing this modification is what potential impact it has on the safety of the car in a crash.

I don't think it would have any impact on safety in a crash. It is a hinge that holds the door on. The lock on the right keeps the door latched. The bars in the doors are not modified in any way so don't see how a side impact would be affected. As for another crash. Who knows, I don't think it would impact it any though.

As for the doors, I still don't see me getting them right now. Maybe when my business takes off, and I have no bills and just want toys, then I migth be so inclined.

Looks good though.

[intocoasters]

Thank you John H!

RE: safety

there is a cut away Smart chassis at our dealer. There is not much in the door as far as I can see. With the vertical hinge in place and the door closed, the door seats in the frame the same way - there would be very little difference in a side impact. A front impact.... I dont know. I imagine these hinges could hold up well. The stock hinges are lightweight and were not torqued as tight as you would imagine. The new hinges are about 16 pounds a piece.

I know, I know weight doesnt necessarily mean better quality. It is, however, bolted into the same holes as the stock hinges and there is no cutting of the structure of the car.

the bottom line for me:

I bought this car based on looks first, the safety and comfort were secondary concerns. I put these doors on the car for looks, again safety was a secondary concern. Ever since Cube mention it, I am entertaining the idea of driving around without doors - just to see what is feels like

I hear "I wouldn't want to get in a crash in that thing" on a weekly basis.... The truth is, neither would I. I don't want to get in a crash in any vehicle.

I am sure that, in the end, this car is still safer than my Metro convertiable of my Fiero... so its a step up in many many way.

Remember, drive safely and have fun!

[sato7]

maybe someone can make half doors like on the razor prototype... the doors were just a cover for the beam that runs horizontally from the hinge to the door pin near the door handle

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by Padawan

One of the primary things that concerns me when seeing this modification is what potential impact it has on the safety of the car in a crash.

The Vertical Doors, Inc. hinges are a whole lot more butch than the OEM door hinges. If there's an issue with the doors in a collision, I rather think it'd be caused by the latch and/or striker failing at the rear of the door, rather than the lambo-hinge failing at the front.

JMHO, &c.

[The Rigger]

Originally Posted by sato7

maybe someone can make half doors like on the razor prototype...

ITYM "Crossblade."

I wish they still made that car. 'Course, they wouldn't dare import it to the USA, more's the pity...