Lamborghini Door Lamborghini Door ConversionConversion

by:by:ez-conversionzez-conversionz

Pre-IntroductionPre-Introduction

The information contained within this CD The information contained within this CD will aide you in converting your doors to will aide you in converting your doors to the style of a Lamborghini’s doors. This the style of a Lamborghini’s doors. This CD is also helpful because it will give you CD is also helpful because it will give you the knowledge of where to find cheap the knowledge of where to find cheap parts, where to install parts, very helpful parts, where to install parts, very helpful pictures, and bonus websites!pictures, and bonus websites!

IntroductionIntroduction

The following is a brief discussion on the 4 The following is a brief discussion on the 4 most popular door modifications used on most popular door modifications used on exotic sports cars today a) Suicide Doors, exotic sports cars today a) Suicide Doors, b) Gullwing Doors, c) Butterfly Doors, and b) Gullwing Doors, c) Butterfly Doors, and d) Scissor or Jack Knife Doors.d) Scissor or Jack Knife Doors.

a) Suicide Doorsa) Suicide Doors

Suicide doors are the Suicide doors are the opposite of regular doors, opposite of regular doors, i.e. they open the other way. i.e. they open the other way.

The door hinges are moved The door hinges are moved from the front to the rear, as from the front to the rear, as the wiring for the power the wiring for the power locks, windows, speakers, locks, windows, speakers, and the dome light switch. and the dome light switch. The latches have been The latches have been moved to the front.moved to the front.

B) Gull wing DoorsB) Gull wing Doors

The hinges on these doors are The hinges on these doors are located on the roof thus a strong located on the roof thus a strong roof and/or a light door is roof and/or a light door is necessary. These were made necessary. These were made popular by the classic Mercedes popular by the classic Mercedes Sports coupes back in the hay Sports coupes back in the hay days.days.

It might be hard to make this It might be hard to make this modification to your car since the modification to your car since the roof is converted to be part of the roof is converted to be part of the door.door.

C) Butterfly DoorsC) Butterfly Doors These type of doors open up These type of doors open up

like a butterfly opens up its like a butterfly opens up its wings, in the 10 and 2 o’clock wings, in the 10 and 2 o’clock positions. They have 2 hinge positions. They have 2 hinge points with one close to the points with one close to the roof and one at the traditional roof and one at the traditional location.location.

These doors are commonly These doors are commonly found on exotic cars such as found on exotic cars such as the McLaren and the Saleen.the McLaren and the Saleen.

D) Scissor or Jack Knife DoorsD) Scissor or Jack Knife Doors

Also know as “Lambo” doors or “Vertical” doors. Also know as “Lambo” doors or “Vertical” doors. These type of doors swing straight up and will be These type of doors swing straight up and will be the main focus of this guide.the main focus of this guide.

Lambo Door ConstructionLambo Door Construction Vertical Door Opening –Double click screen to replay Vertical Door Opening –Double click screen to replay

(Acrobat format). (Acrobat format). The below image was taken with permission from Street Dreams The below image was taken with permission from Street Dreams

[[http://www.iserv.net/~strdreamhttp://www.iserv.net/~strdream ].Street dreams does custom work pertaining to street  ].Street dreams does custom work pertaining to street rods, classic and custom cars.rods, classic and custom cars.

The HingeThe Hinge

The hinge is the most important part of The hinge is the most important part of the conversion, apart from time and labor. the conversion, apart from time and labor. This section analyses the vertical hinge. This section analyses the vertical hinge.

The following are pictures of real The following are pictures of real Lamborghini hinges, please analyze them Lamborghini hinges, please analyze them carefully.carefully.

Lamborghini Door HingeLamborghini Door Hinge

Lambo Kit HingesLambo Kit Hinges

The following are pictures of lambo door The following are pictures of lambo door conversion kit hinges:conversion kit hinges:

Lambo door kit hingesLambo door kit hinges

Animation of Door HingeAnimation of Door Hinge

Double click picture Double click picture to play again (Acrobat to play again (Acrobat format).format).

The real Lamborghini door The real Lamborghini door hingehinge

This is a real Lamborghini This is a real Lamborghini door hinge used for kit cars. door hinge used for kit cars. The cheapest way to have The cheapest way to have lambo doors on your car is lambo doors on your car is available via courtesy of available via courtesy of http://www.sequentialturnhttp://www.sequentialturnsignals.com/lambodoor/lasignals.com/lambodoor/lambodoor.html or mbodoor.html or

http://www.iserv.net/http://www.iserv.net/~strdream/hinges.html .~strdream/hinges.html .

The cost for each hinge, The cost for each hinge, approximately $100-250/pcapproximately $100-250/pc

Another door hingeAnother door hinge

Door GeometryDoor Geometry

I think the biggest problem to convert an existing door I think the biggest problem to convert an existing door will be the door's shape. On very square doors, the will be the door's shape. On very square doors, the bottom corner may hit the pillar when it tries to rotate bottom corner may hit the pillar when it tries to rotate upward. There are a few work-arounds for this. upward. There are a few work-arounds for this.

You might be able to find hinges that throw the door You might be able to find hinges that throw the door

forward as it rotates up. You can see this on the new forward as it rotates up. You can see this on the new Cadillac concept car. Otherwise, you may also use Cadillac concept car. Otherwise, you may also use another hinge setup that pops the door outward before another hinge setup that pops the door outward before rotating it up.rotating it up.

Door Hardware NeededDoor Hardware Needed All you really need is a single hinge and a strut. I've heard that All you really need is a single hinge and a strut. I've heard that

Volvo tailgates, mid 90's Pontiacs, and Ford Explorer lift gates Volvo tailgates, mid 90's Pontiacs, and Ford Explorer lift gates provide good salvage yard struts. For a specific strut contact RV provide good salvage yard struts. For a specific strut contact RV shops in addition to the normal strut mnfrs. You will need to know shops in addition to the normal strut mnfrs. You will need to know your compressed and extended lengths as well as the force your compressed and extended lengths as well as the force required, which will be more than the door's weight (especially if you required, which will be more than the door's weight (especially if you locate the strut at some weird point). If you won't be using struts, locate the strut at some weird point). If you won't be using struts, there are other mechanical and hydraulic options but they will cost there are other mechanical and hydraulic options but they will cost you more as well. you more as well.

Local scraps are a good starting point to get the struts and hinges, Local scraps are a good starting point to get the struts and hinges, as they are cheap and easily accessible.as they are cheap and easily accessible.

* the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [* the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [http://http://www.statikdesign.com/scratchbuiltwww.statikdesign.com/scratchbuilt  ]. The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who   ]. The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who wants to build their own sports car from scratch." wants to build their own sports car from scratch."

Determining the Correct Strut Determining the Correct Strut SpecsSpecs

Part A: Equipment Required:Part A: Equipment Required:

1.1. Tape MeasureTape Measure2.2. Pencil or crayon to mark on door and body Pencil or crayon to mark on door and body 3.3. A helper strong enough to hold the door at the vertical A helper strong enough to hold the door at the vertical

position position 4.4. Scissor hinges which you will use (this is strongly Scissor hinges which you will use (this is strongly

recommended but not required) recommended but not required) 5.5. A produce-type hanging scale. You could construct a A produce-type hanging scale. You could construct a

crude version using a rope, pulley, and some counter crude version using a rope, pulley, and some counter weights (like from a dumbell set). weights (like from a dumbell set).

* the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [* the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [http://http://www.statikdesign.com/scratchbuiltwww.statikdesign.com/scratchbuilt  ].   ]. The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who wants to build their own sports car from scratch." The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who wants to build their own sports car from scratch."

Determining the Correct Strut Determining the Correct Strut SpecsSpecs

Part B: The Procedure:Part B: The Procedure:

First, you should mount the door on the proper hinges. For a door First, you should mount the door on the proper hinges. For a door mounted conventionally you should take it off of its hinges and position it mounted conventionally you should take it off of its hinges and position it in the door jamb so it is free to rotate up (or out). in the door jamb so it is free to rotate up (or out).

From looking at a lot of pictures, the strut is usually mounted on the body From looking at a lot of pictures, the strut is usually mounted on the body about a foot or so down from the hinge. You can use this as a starting about a foot or so down from the hinge. You can use this as a starting point. point.

The strut's compressed length will be the distance from its mounting point The strut's compressed length will be the distance from its mounting point on the body, to the mounting point on the door itself. on the body, to the mounting point on the door itself. [Compressed Length] = [Compressed Length] =

Now rotate the door around its hinge point to the upright position. It is a Now rotate the door around its hinge point to the upright position. It is a good idea to have someone help brace it up for you. It will get tricky to good idea to have someone help brace it up for you. It will get tricky to hold a 50+ lb door up with one hand while you use the tape measure with hold a 50+ lb door up with one hand while you use the tape measure with the other. Now measure the new distance between the strut mounting the other. Now measure the new distance between the strut mounting points (as in Step 3). points (as in Step 3). [Extended Length] = [Extended Length] =

Determining the Correct Strut Determining the Correct Strut SpecsSpecs

Cont’dCont’d

Your length of travel is the extended length minus the compressed length. If your Length of Travel is more than Your length of travel is the extended length minus the compressed length. If your Length of Travel is more than about 40% of your overall length, you will need to move your strut mounting point. The majority of struts will not about 40% of your overall length, you will need to move your strut mounting point. The majority of struts will not have a Length of Travel more than this.have a Length of Travel more than this.[Length of Travel] = [Extended Length] - [Compressed Length][Length of Travel] = [Extended Length] - [Compressed Length]

If the door is empty, attach all of the trim, mirrors, interior, glass, actuators etc. You will need to simulate the If the door is empty, attach all of the trim, mirrors, interior, glass, actuators etc. You will need to simulate the weight of the final door. You may use dummy weights but be careful where on their placement. Adding 5lbs to the weight of the final door. You may use dummy weights but be careful where on their placement. Adding 5lbs to the end of the door versus closer to the hinge will make a huge difference. end of the door versus closer to the hinge will make a huge difference.

Now you will need that hanging scale, or you will need to come up with an alternative. Either way, attach the a Now you will need that hanging scale, or you will need to come up with an alternative. Either way, attach the a hook to your strut mounting point on the door (you found this in Step 3), and pull up to the position you want. The hook to your strut mounting point on the door (you found this in Step 3), and pull up to the position you want. The max weight that the scale reads will be your force. The reading might fluctuate depending on the door's position, max weight that the scale reads will be your force. The reading might fluctuate depending on the door's position, but it should read the highest when the door is at the closed position. Add about 15-20% to this as a safety but it should read the highest when the door is at the closed position. Add about 15-20% to this as a safety margin. You don't want the door to close too easily, plus you should take friction into account and some wear and margin. You don't want the door to close too easily, plus you should take friction into account and some wear and tear later on, which might degrade the strut's pushing force. Offhand, I know of a '95 civic that was converted and tear later on, which might degrade the strut's pushing force. Offhand, I know of a '95 civic that was converted and used 175 psi struts. If you don't have a produce scale, I will try to post an alternate method soon. This will not used 175 psi struts. If you don't have a produce scale, I will try to post an alternate method soon. This will not simply be the weight of the door. Leverage is working against you. The closer you mount the strut to the hinge (on simply be the weight of the door. Leverage is working against you. The closer you mount the strut to the hinge (on the door) the more force it will need to push up. It also depends on the shape of the door and the location of its the door) the more force it will need to push up. It also depends on the shape of the door and the location of its add-ons.add-ons.

* * the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [the above text was taken with permission from Filip's Falcon GT: A Scratch Built Project [http://http://www.statikdesign.com/scratchbuiltwww.statikdesign.com/scratchbuilt  ].   ]. The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who wants to build their own sports car from scratch." The site is a compilation of research geared toward the novice who wants to build their own sports car from scratch."

Door in vertical positionDoor in vertical position

This is a shot of a This is a shot of a passenger door in the passenger door in the upright positionupright position

Door schematicsDoor schematics

Door Hinge Installation Door Hinge Installation BlueprintsBlueprints

A company by the name Street Dreams manufactures hinges used for Lamborghini A company by the name Street Dreams manufactures hinges used for Lamborghini kits which may be applicable to your car. They have developed blue prints for DIY kits which may be applicable to your car. They have developed blue prints for DIY hinge installation which can be seen here:hinge installation which can be seen here:

Hinge info:Hinge info:http://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sddoor1.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sddoor1.pdf

Door Recommendations:Door Recommendations:http://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sddoor2.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sddoor2.pdf

Strut info:Strut info:http://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut1.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut1.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut2.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut2.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut3.pdfhttp://www.iserv.net/%7estrdream/instr/sdstrut3.pdf

The above text was taken with permission from Street Dreams [The above text was taken with permission from Street Dreams [http://www.iserv.net/~strdreamhttp://www.iserv.net/~strdream  ]. Street dreams does   ]. Street dreams does custom work pertaining to street rods, classic and custom cars.custom work pertaining to street rods, classic and custom cars.

ExampleExample

300 ZX Butterfly door300 ZX Butterfly door

Example: 300 ZXExample: 300 ZX To install the door hinges, you simply have to have these parts: To install the door hinges, you simply have to have these parts: Two air shocks - that work by switch (about 8 inches long each) Two air shocks - that work by switch (about 8 inches long each) A welder A welder Steel tubing (for door reinforcement) Steel tubing (for door reinforcement) Thick steel sheet metal Thick steel sheet metal You have to mount one shock onto a plate at the bottom front corner of the drivers You have to mount one shock onto a plate at the bottom front corner of the drivers

door, mounted onto a flat plate that is welded to the floor/door structure of the car, door, mounted onto a flat plate that is welded to the floor/door structure of the car, under the carpet. The shock is not seen when the door is closed, the shock goes under the carpet. The shock is not seen when the door is closed, the shock goes inside of the door and there is a plate welded to the door that also mounts to the inside of the door and there is a plate welded to the door that also mounts to the shock at the tip of the skinniest shaft. shock at the tip of the skinniest shaft.

You have to reinforce the door for support. They take off the fenders do some cutting You have to reinforce the door for support. They take off the fenders do some cutting in below A post weld on about 2X3 square tube, then GMC or Ford E rear cargo in below A post weld on about 2X3 square tube, then GMC or Ford E rear cargo doors hinge. Cut some off and add to it like 180* flat bar (now on that Honda they doors hinge. Cut some off and add to it like 180* flat bar (now on that Honda they used 175psi struts).used 175psi struts).

When you hit the switch the door should slide out on that shock, now comes the When you hit the switch the door should slide out on that shock, now comes the pushing up part. You have to have the other shock mounted to the same plate, but it pushing up part. You have to have the other shock mounted to the same plate, but it is about 12 inches long and runs up parallel to the door beside the seat and mounts is about 12 inches long and runs up parallel to the door beside the seat and mounts to the door at the end of the shock. You have to have a shaft made to the door so that to the door at the end of the shock. You have to have a shaft made to the door so that when the door pops out the shock slides on the shaft then when the door is popped when the door pops out the shock slides on the shaft then when the door is popped out it catches and pushes the door open. out it catches and pushes the door open.

Example: 300 ZXExample: 300 ZX

Example: 300 ZXExample: 300 ZX

Example: 300 ZXExample: 300 ZX

GM or Ford full size GM or Ford full size van cargo rear door van cargo rear door hinges hinges

Example: 300 ZXExample: 300 ZX

Example: Honda AccordExample: Honda Accord

Example: Honda AccordExample: Honda Accord

Considerations:Considerations:

Before you begin it may be necessary to consider the Before you begin it may be necessary to consider the following:following:

- Will you need to extend any wires, and if so do you have Will you need to extend any wires, and if so do you have an extra supply of the wirean extra supply of the wire

- Will their be a speaker on the door, if so, you may need to Will their be a speaker on the door, if so, you may need to extend speaker cablesextend speaker cables

- Alarm functionAlarm function- Solenoid cable, automatic lock cables, etc.Solenoid cable, automatic lock cables, etc.- Will applying lambo doors void any warrantiesWill applying lambo doors void any warranties- Are their any laws prohibiting these type of doorsAre their any laws prohibiting these type of doors- Is their enough room for people to get out of the car safely.Is their enough room for people to get out of the car safely.

AlternativesAlternatives

There are 2 alternatives:There are 2 alternatives:

1.1. Don’t do the conversion and leave your Don’t do the conversion and leave your doors intact, and, doors intact, and,

2.2. Buy a universal kit from a company called Buy a universal kit from a company called Decah.Decah.

Decah: http://www.decah.netDecah: http://www.decah.net

DecahDecah

Decah has created a patent pending Decah has created a patent pending universal vertical door conversion kit for universal vertical door conversion kit for many cars. They first started off with many cars. They first started off with Honda Civics.Honda Civics.

Honda Civic(Honda Civic(DecahDecah))

DecahDecah

Decah - BenefitsDecah - Benefits

The key benefits include: no cutting, no The key benefits include: no cutting, no welding, quick installation, adjustible, welding, quick installation, adjustible, complete with instructions and all complete with instructions and all necessary hardware.necessary hardware.

Decah - DisadvantagesDecah - Disadvantages

The main disadvantages are:The main disadvantages are:

1)1) Limited applications, but decah plans on Limited applications, but decah plans on announcing many more cars.announcing many more cars.

2)2) The cost at $1599.00(US)The cost at $1599.00(US)

ConclusionConclusion Now that you know how to put lambo doors on your car, you can Now that you know how to put lambo doors on your car, you can

now see as well how you can put lambo doors basically anywhere, now see as well how you can put lambo doors basically anywhere, i.e. your hatch door, your hood, gas cover, etc. It is all in the hinge.i.e. your hatch door, your hood, gas cover, etc. It is all in the hinge.

Most custom shops charge between $2-$8,000 to do this Most custom shops charge between $2-$8,000 to do this conversion, but now you can do it for a fraction of that cost.conversion, but now you can do it for a fraction of that cost.

In my opinion, by having these doors alone it is enough for you to In my opinion, by having these doors alone it is enough for you to stand out from the ubiquitous cars with the same type of body kits, stand out from the ubiquitous cars with the same type of body kits, aluminum wings, stickers, rims, etc.aluminum wings, stickers, rims, etc.

Thank you for taking your time to read this guide and good luck for Thank you for taking your time to read this guide and good luck for your conversionyour conversion

SummarySummaryTo do this yourself what you need is To do this yourself what you need is a)a) StrutsStrutsb)b) HingesHingesc)c) PatiencePatience

You will have to remove the fenders and doors to do this conversion You will have to remove the fenders and doors to do this conversion properly. It should not take more than a weekend to do because you are properly. It should not take more than a weekend to do because you are basically just changing the hinge pattern and using struts to reinforce the basically just changing the hinge pattern and using struts to reinforce the door. For older cars you may have to lighten the doors and roll back door. For older cars you may have to lighten the doors and roll back fenders. To lighten the door simply cut out the interior of the leaving it a fenders. To lighten the door simply cut out the interior of the leaving it a hollow shell. You may want to remove the speakers as well.hollow shell. You may want to remove the speakers as well.

If you do not want to do this yourself, then print out this cd and give it to If you do not want to do this yourself, then print out this cd and give it to almost any bodyshop guy, they will gladly do it for about 1-200 bucks almost any bodyshop guy, they will gladly do it for about 1-200 bucks (depending on their labour rate).(depending on their labour rate).

Watch out for:Watch out for:

GULLWING DOOR CONVERSIONS – GULLWING DOOR CONVERSIONS – coming sooncoming soon

SUICIDE DOOR CONVERSIONs – SUICIDE DOOR CONVERSIONs – coming sooncoming soon

DIY Hydrolics using mechanical strutsDIY Hydrolics using mechanical struts CARBON FIBRE DIYCARBON FIBRE DIY

Special ThanksSpecial Thanks

Ross from street dreams: Ross from street dreams: http://www.iserv.net/~strdreamhttp://www.iserv.net/~strdream  

Filip: http://www.statikdesign.com/scratchbuilt/index.html, he has Filip: http://www.statikdesign.com/scratchbuilt/index.html, he has plethora plethora

of information about designing or building your own car from of information about designing or building your own car from scratch. scratch.

Ron Fletcher and Brian Wolfe – About your advice regarding Ron Fletcher and Brian Wolfe – About your advice regarding conversions.conversions.

Good luckGood luck