Dropped off the doors...

[MustangO4]

Well, I did it. For better or worse. It feels about 500 lbs lighter and is fun as hell. Once I figured it out, the second one came off in about 5 minutes. I wonder if it is legal????? ;)

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/back9.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/mirror.JPG

[Y33TREKker]

I tell ya...you crazy Californians. :p

Now it'd also be cool to come up with some sort of tube door(s) to complete the look.

http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/jeep_e-media/W45-door.jpg

[Triathlete]

I tell ya...you crazy Californians. :p

Now it'd also be cool to come up with some sort of tube door(s) to complete the look.

http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/jeep_e-media/W45-door.jpg

And incorperate the cladding piece.

Don't know about Cal laws but perfectly legal in Az. Lots of doorless jeeps in Cal so I would think it is somewhat legal.

[Etfren]

I dunno if I would have taken the rear door off, but I was planning to try taking my side doors off to try it out. Plus I gotta fix my drivers door anyway 'cause its tweaked pretty badly.

[MustangO4]

takes 5 minutes. The electrical are all in 2 plugs down by yout feet behind the interior pannel, then just the pin and 4 bolts. You don't even have to take off the door pannel. It goes back on just as easy.

[Gussie2000]

Sorry dude !

Dunno want to be harsh but the VX is not a jeep.

Anyways have fun out there !

[Y33TREKker]

And incorperate the cladding piece.
X2 :yesy:

[JHarris1385]

I have always wanted to try this.

[deermagnet]

I think this had something to do with Carmageddon. ;Dy;

Mark

[circmand]

bending the frame. The doors are an intergral piece of the cars structural integrity. I would worry about the frame bending and roof warping to the point the doors arent going to go back on

[vt_maverick]

Ditto on putting the rear door back on, and on needing to add half or tube doors that incorporate the cladding. Seems the easiest thing would be to cut the existing doors - can't imagine you're afraid to do that if you've already sprayed the body. :)

[Gussie2000]

bending the frame. The doors are an intergral piece of the cars structural integrity. I would worry about the frame bending and roof warping to the point the doors arent going to go back on

Or just get a jeep :p

[MSHardeman]

I really don't think that the doors do anything structurally for us. The VX is a "body on frame" truck, so like a Jeep everything should stay lined up just fine.

[JHarris1385]

What is a Jeep?

[circmand]

I really don't think that the doors do anything structurally for us. The VX is a "body on frame" truck, so like a Jeep everything should stay lined up just fine.

I have a body on frame sports car. When doing restoration the doors needed removed. The restorer made a frame for the door holes for while they were off the car. It.s a delicate design

[MSHardeman]

I could totally see making some braces for the door openings if you were removing the body from the frame (as it would have a tendency to twist without the frame for support) or if you had a convertible because there is no roof line to help keep things in place. Heck, I would completely brace the body internally if I were removing a convertible body from the frame. Don't want it going anywhere.

[Triathlete]

I think Mark is right on the $$$. "I" don't think the door add much stuctural support if any in the VX's case. If you have had you headliner off or looked into getting a sunroof installed you would see that there are a couple of support beams that run across our roofs incuding one just behind the doors.

[rsteinmetz70112]

I know from a friend who did a frame up restoration of an old British roadster that the components can "relax" while off the frame. He took all of the body panels off prepped and painted everything. When he went to reassemble it nothing fit quite right. It took a lot of effort and finesse to coax it back into place.

[MustangO4]

Well, the doors are back on, but without the benefit of photoshop, I did a couple of Power Point " Mock-ups" incorporating the cladding. I would have to remove it, but that shouldn's be too bad. THen just back on when summer is over. Maybe someone with PS can do a better job but here are three options I am considering:

Option 1 this one would have some sort of box built into the hollow of the cladding and just take your chances without a spare.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Slide15.JPG


Option 2 swing open gate with full size spare on the back
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Slide22.JPG


Option 3 Small mount at an angle for the spare out the back like all the "bro-mobilles" out here that never get in the dirt but are built to run Baja.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Slide31.JPG

Or nothing at all. just tinkering and sharing.

[Etfren]

I like option 2 the most. Those are some pretty decent mock ups for not using photoshop.

[MustangO4]

Yea, I am thinking that too. Maybe even no tire, but a basket with fuel can brackets and the spare tire on the roof.

[Gussie2000]

So the benefits of going door-less are ? :confused:

[JHarris1385]

Increased mpg with the less weight!

[Triathlete]

Increased mpg with the less weight!

That would probably be negated by the disrupted air flow created.

For off road use...better visibility. Or to be jeep-like!:yesy:

Or...because he wants to and can!:bwgy:

[JoFotoz]

I like Option #3.....:smack:

jo

[MustangO4]

What is crazy is that when I ran around the block with it you could feel it was much lighter feeling and the air flowed through it as opposed to being a parachute like it is with tha back on and windows down. I wouldn't be suprised if the mileage did increase. I would say each door was around 60 lbs and a bit more for the back door.

And without the rear door, you can actually see behind you. It is nuts!!!

Of course, I plan to put 33" tires on it soon so that will negate the weight at least.

[Triathlete]

I like Option #3.....:smack:

jo

Same here. And you could still incorrprate a fuel can. The angled tire would increase rear visibility.

Another option if someone wants to do the photo chop...
Tube gate angled outward with tire standing upright on one side face front to rear (like the trophy trucks) and a fuel can on the other side (hope my description makes sense).

[JHarris1385]

I was being sarcastic about the mpg...it may or may not effect it, but surely was not the sole benefit that he was looking for!

Jeeps don't shed their doors for mpg. Its for the thrill and the feel of not having a door.

[stokes_osu]

I like option 3 as well

[VXR]

What is a Jeep?

LOL

[Bob Barker]

I agree with MSHardeman, it's on a frame that is supposed to carry structural strength. The doors only mount by two hinges and a lever for the latch to grab onto, I don't see that holding too much strength, and I don't see Isuzu hoping the hinges and door latch keep the body from twisting. But that's just me.


I like the way this looks! If I can get some pipes and a welder I'd go for making some tube doors!

[Bob Barker]

guess I should have read page 2 before posting :laughing:

[MustangO4]

This is the latest mock-up. I am thinking I will do it in 1 1/4" pipe. Cut and welded with sharp angles instead of bent. This is a poor effort, but as good as powerpoint can do. Not sure on the center door pipe, straight or angled.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Slide_4.jpg

[Bob Barker]

Drivers door center pipe in a triangle maybe.

[rsteinmetz70112]

I was being sarcastic about the mpg...it may or may not effect it, but surely was not the sole benefit that he was looking for!

Jeeps don't shed their doors for mpg. Its for the thrill and the feel of not having a door.


Jeeps also have a high Center of Gravity, so any weight up high that can be eliminated increases stability. Not sure how high the VX CG is but it likely has the same effect.

[vt_maverick]

Not digging the latest bar design for the passenger doors... looks like the top bar would be 3-6" below the natural body line from the hood to just under the B-pillar glass. Maybe consider moving it up a bit to make it flow better with the body?

Btw, are you planning on incorporating a mesh surround like the Jeep picture on the first page? That would be sweet and would probably keep things from falling out through the bars as easily.

Nice work so far dude! :thumbup:

[JHarris1385]

I say lower the top bar.

[vt_maverick]

That might work too, it's kind of like painting, you either need to match existing paint exactly or pick a different color altogether. If the bar is too close to the "belt line" let's call it, it doesn't look good. Moving it further away might be a better alternative to going higher.

[MustangO4]

I think I am getting to something I like. I apreciate the suggestions, It gives me some great ideas. I am thinking a wire mesh attached with screws that is removable as opposed to the screen or fabric.

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Slide_6.jpg

[Triathlete]

Plexi panels to enhance the view?

[wekilled]

Good to see someone actually executing this. I had posted a "what if" on this a few months back but grad school with the Navy is kicking my as*. The door mod certainly seems to be a topic with no middle ground on opinion.

I agree, the VX is not a Jeep and there are no advantages for doing such a mod, but isn't that the point of owning a halo vehicle smaller than a RAV4, yet 1,000lbs heavier that sucks fuel---yet another members freedom to interpret our VX. I think the none, or half door option would be welcome for those who like it. Anyone have a DOT or law enforcement site that would mention the legality of doing such a mod?

Nothing personal, structural compromise keeps coming up and still not sure how flimsy stamped sheet metal and plastic maintains integrity on a full truck frame. I know I would love the mod to increase visibility when going off-road in in Hollister Rec Vehicle Park. (course I need to remove the carpet so I can clean the interior easier).

I would still like to do the mod someday myself and look forward to the results. I am looking online to see about legality of driving without doors. (Saw a guy in traffic here in CA doing same in a Toyota with the small rearviews on the A pillars, so maybe..

[tom4bren]

... still not sure how flimsy stamped sheet metal and plastic maintains integrity on a full truck frame...

Maybe what's behind the plastic is what has people considering the door a structural member. Look here:

http://www.pbase.com/tom4bren/image/113396084

[circmand]

Maybe what's behind the plastic is what has people considering the door a structural member. Look here:

http://www.pbase.com/tom4bren/image/113396084

Structural Member just sounds dirty

[tom4bren]

depends how you use it.

[Marlin]

I don't know if that side tube in the door is structural, but it is definitely for safety. I think it is more there as a side impact bar. It has savedmy *** on the trail. Our last run, I had the VX tipped on its side such the passenger wheels were off the ground, the weight was set on the door line. I was fortunate that the mud hole I was in was at an angle that prevented the fenders from sticking out more than the door. That steel bar did its job, I could see where the "hump" in the door cladding dug into the dirt.

I think the idea is awesome!!! I would be worried about dicks stealing all my goodies. I keep a ton of tools and whatnot in there. Someone just stole a huge chunk of railroad tracks to scrap the steal! They will steal anything.

[JHarris1385]

Yeah would gut it of all my good stuff if I ever did this.

[Marlin]

Yeah would gut it of all my good stuff if I ever did this.

That's the problem. The zombie revolution isn't going to wait for you to load your gear.

[MustangO4]

Well, I made this today. It is only tacked because I ran out of non shielded wire, so just tacked it up with nasty flux-core. Hope to finish it and do some doors this week. THe angles are nuts, so there is a lot of "cut close, beat to fit, paint to match" going on with this one. Oh yea, I have about $25 in pipe into it :-)

Even better, the wife said she would ride in it after seeing it!!!

In progress, checking level
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Rear_cage.JPG

Now just finish welding and grinding, clean it up and paint; gas cans and tire in the back????
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Rear_cage_2.JPG

[samneil2000]

Cool. Now just throw some cladding on it. :)

[Cobrajet]

I guess you can't classify this as a "grocery getter" anymore... maybe a "grocery spitter" :)

Now, back away from MY VX!!

[Golfindoc]

I'm sorry but this is just WRONG!

[Marlin]

Umm, I think it is AWESOME!!! You can haul a pig or even goats back there now. I can see the VX wandering downa dirt road, hay flying out the back...lol. I dig it, is it going to be swing away? I would also be curious if it hurts your derparture/approach angles. Looks awesome, definitely a head turner.

[Triathlete]

Shouldn't affect the angles any...will rip the cladding off way before he hits the tube work, unless he is backing into a wall.

[Triathlete]

BTW...I think it looks good. Only thing I would have done differently is give the top tube a bend to mimick the hump of the door.

[JAMAS]

Cool. Now just throw some cladding on it. :)

Or maybe some metal mesh.

[MustangO4]

Here it is all done. No tire, gas can etc yet. Still thinking about that....

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/cage_done.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/cage_done_2.JPG

And my all time favorate view!!!! I can back up now!

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/cage_done_3.JPG

[Marlin]

How does it attach? BTW, love it! Oh man, can't wait to get back from deployment, I see tube doors and something similar to yours in the future. Rear facing seats would be rad as well!

[nfpgasmask]

I really don't think that the doors do anything structurally for us. The VX is a "body on frame" truck, so like a Jeep everything should stay lined up just fine.

x2, I think it will be fine. If the VX was unibody, maybe a concern but... Either way, I like the idea, but to put it into practice I think you need tube doors and you should replace the rear door. You might notice the exhaust fumes wafting up when you are at stop lights. That alone is reason enough to put the rear door back on.

The VX is kinda a hot box in the summer, especially for those of us with Ebony VXes, so I definitely understand the desire for an open air 4x4! I want to build a unicab Trooper RS at some point in my life.

Bart

[Vendetta]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/cage_done_3.JPG

That's the first time I've ever seen out the back of a VX. :smilewink

Gotta hand it to you man, that took some doin'!

[MustangO4]

Thanks for the responses. It bolts onto the hinges and then on the latch, I just made a tab that goes over the latch and a pin you drop in through it. It opens, but is made very tight to prevent rattling, so it is not really designed to open all the time. You can just reach in.

[Marlin]

Something to consider, you might think of removing all the plastic junk and carpet. That would make it even more utilitarian. I was thinking this setup with a small job box type container to lock tools in and whatnot.


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP1043.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP1052.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP1059.JPG

[Bob Barker]

LOVE IT! Really nice looking, perfect, I'm jealous!

How strong is the tubing? If stronger than the mounting points I'd be extra paranoid about rear end collisions, or backing into something. It would almost definitely crush the mounting points on the body, then it's a whole lotta work to get that lined back up if you ever wanted to put the rear door back on.

Not saying I wouldn't do it, because I WOULD if I had that skill, but just to be extra careful and cautious!

and I vote for matching size spare/tire in back! Either that or a rear facing seat, like a gunner turret on the bottom of an old WWII bomber!!!

[MustangO4]

That is a nice setup you have there. I was seriously thinking about flipping the seats around, but the seat belts are going to be tricky.......


And actually the whole thing is pretty strong, but I think it is not much more than the original door. It is 1 1/4" electrical conduit because I didn't know if I would like that and the conduit was cheap. I am not intending to use it in a demo derby.

[MustangO4]

And here is my justification to flip the rear seat!!!!

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/tail_gunner.JPG

[SkidPlate]

Nice rifle. Was that picture taken in California?

That sure does bring a lot of awesome to your design. Nice work BTW.

[MustangO4]

Yep. 100% California legal. I built it but not my design.

[MustangO4]

I've been rolling without the doors on for a week, since the shoot with Jo, and I love it. It feels a lot lighter, is more "open" feeling than even a Jeep, you can see and I think i am even getting slightly better mileage. I hope the nice weather holds (85+). When it gets cold, the doors are going back on.....

[VXorado]

Jo's previews looked pretty good with your doorless VX. Adds an instant rugged look.