Dropped off the doors...

[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.



Option 2 swing open gate with full size spare on the back



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.


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.

[Gussie2000]

So the benefits of going door-less are ?

[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.

[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!

Or...because he wants to and can!

[JoFotoz]

I like Option #3.....

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.....

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.

[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.

[stokes_osu]

I like option 3 as well

[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!