[swoodard23]

I'm customizing a corvette and would like to know if there are tips/tricks to designing the door opening so as not to have obstructions. I'm using the stock hinges and I have moved the door out so the radius of travel has increased. Link or info would be appreciated. Will add pics later.
Thanks,
Scott

[cboy]

Scott,

I don't know if this hinge design tester will help at all since it was devised for use with very simple doors...like 20's & 30's cars, not something with the more complicated design you are working with. But it might give you some ideas for how to go about your particular challenge.

[swoodard23]

Thanks for the info. I ended up just using trial and error. My door and fender look like good ole fiberglass swiss cheese but that will be remedied tomorrow.
Thanks again,
Scott

[swoodard23]

I finally got some more work done. The door opens and closes freely after some trial and error experimenting with the front door opening. I need to bond the skins to the body and then bondo time. I've also been experimenting with a satin silver color. I tested it on whats left of the old hood and plan on adding a gloss black racing stripe tomorrow. I first fell in love with the satin silver when seeing the bmw z4 coupe concept. Hopefully with be undating more soon. Comments, critique welcome.


This Vette is awesome and uses glossy silver but still has the satin look. I think it looks great with the black wheels

[MARTINSR]

You didn't "move the door out" you "thickened" it. So you certainly don't want to change the geometry of the door hinge or movement. All you need to do is to thin the fender (the back side) just as it was from the factory so there is a place for the door to go when you open it.

Brian

[swoodard23]

I had already hollowed a place for the door to go. The problem was the angle I had cut the door skin/fender was causing interference when first opening the door. I moved the door jamb seam up a little (increasing the radius from the pivot point) and now there is no interference. The fiberglass I made is not solid, it is just a skin.
Thanks,
Scott