Tutorial for making an "open door"?

[racer93]

Is there a good tutorial (or even a WIP) out there for doing this? I'd really like to try my hand at it. Not sure which kit yet, either a 911 gt1 or a rally car.

I'd appreciate some help. I've read some WIPs but not many that shows exactly how to do it.

Thanks!

Daniel

[jano11]

Check this repository:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=215864

[racer93]

I was really looking for something that described, in detail, how to make the sills and lining that isn't in the kit. That's what I'm curious about. Sorry if I wasn't clear. The actual opening process is pretty straightforward.

Daniel

[Hawk312]

I`ll second this request. I was actually considering this on a couple builds I have coming up.

[360spider]

There is no way to make a tutorial on this, simply because all doors are different, all kits are different, and there is no easy, or uniform way to do this. I've done it several times, and every time it was different. If you check my WIPs, there will be few examples.

[Lownslow]

Originally Posted by jano11

Check this repository:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=215864

some of those need to be updated or deleted

[racer93]

Originally Posted by 360spider

There is no way to make a tutorial on this, simply because all doors are different, all kits are different, and there is no easy, or uniform way to do this. I've done it several times, and every time it was different. If you check my WIPs, there will be few examples.

Again, I was thinking *in general*. Like, things to consider, thickness of styrene needed, what to watch for, etc. All are similar in those respects...

[360spider]

Originally Posted by racer93

Again, I was thinking *in general*. Like, things to consider, thickness of styrene needed, what to watch for, etc. All are similar in those respects...

No they are not. That is the point. Thickness of styrene for what? I have never even used styrene when I was opening the doors. What to watch for? Depends on the kit and door construction. Its one of those things where you do it depending on the situation.

[Hawk312]

Originally Posted by 360spider

No they are not. That is the point. Thickness of styrene for what? I have never even used styrene when I was opening the doors. What to watch for? Depends on the kit and door construction. Its one of those things where you do it depending on the situation.

Hi 360,
I think what racer is asking is for a very general "starter`s guide" to opening doors by someone who has plenty of experience and can give general pointers to at least get someone started and avoid the typical beginners pitfalls. After almost 30 years, I am at the point now where I have seen just about everything as far as getting a "show car" finish. I also know that there are a myriad of factors that could affect the outcome depending on each kit, what techniques are used, and what products are used. However, it is possible to at least give a starting point, giving examples from what I have learned, to beginners so that they can avoid the typical beginner`s pitfalls so that they can learn from my mistakes/experiences. It is also possible to answer questions preemptively, because, as someone with a lot of experience in a certain skill, we know that beginners may not even know the questions that need to be asked (ie, the thickness of styrene question).
Racer, please correct me if I am wrong, but I think this is where you were going with this question. I would love to see a very general tutorial on this as well.

[star21]

I too would love to see a "generalized" tutorial regarding an open door conversion. I understand that every kit and scenario is different, but there must be at least several general pointers an experienced person should look out for (to avoid costly mistakes) and/or techniques consider over others. I'd really like to see people's various ideas regarding door hinge setups (if they plan on making open/close), methods for creating the inner door sill portions, etc.

[Entau]

The best way was probably to browse as many as open doors WIP as you could and get some idea which method works best for you. I can't say which is the best, all are good, but some might not be suitable

[klutz_100]

Really, I imagine a search of the WIP section will throw up enough info to be able to tackle the job.

At the end of the day, no single tutorial is going to provide more idea/insights and will never replace the skill and patience required to do a good job of it

Here's a search string form the Street WIP section using "opening doors" and I see that it has thrown up WIPs from some of the best-of-the-best builders here on AF.

I suggest you read through mrawl's 360 thread - a tutorial in itself - Gionc's 575 and for sure check out ALL threads by Agamo

HERE

[Khier]

Check the WIPs of Mr obssessive. He seldom shows how he opens the doors. However, he explains in detail how to hinge them.

http://public.fotki.com/MrObsessive/...ane/page4.html

And see his 49 Mercury for the trunk.

[racer93]

Originally Posted by Entau

The best way was probably to browse as many as open doors WIP as you could and get some idea which method works best for you. I can't say which is the best, all are good, but some might not be suitable

Thanks, Entau. I have read quite a few WIPs but never have seen what the people did to "fill in" the areas that were left bare in the kit. I figure there has to be at least one or two WIPs out there that has this but I have yet to find them.

[racer93]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

Really, I imagine a search of the WIP section will throw up enough info to be able to tackle the job.

At the end of the day, no single tutorial is going to provide more idea/insights and will never replace the skill and patience required to do a good job of it

Here's a search string form the Street WIP section using "opening doors" and I see that it has thrown up WIPs from some of the best-of-the-best builders here on AF.

I suggest you read through mrawl's 360 thread - a tutorial in itself - Gionc's 575 and for sure check out ALL threads by Agamo

HERE

Thanks, klutz. I do realize that no tutorial is going to replace skill. However, it does give me the confidence that my efforts are heading in the right direction. For you that might not mean a thing. For me it means everything. I really take a lot from seeing it done once.