Re: [DML] Re: Gullwing Doors on Any Car

[Joe Angell <jangell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think he's more arguing that the DeLorean, Bricklin and especially  
the Mercedes doors actually look like a gull's wings when opened.  The  
DMC didn't NEED them, but the Bricklin and Mercedes could have also  
come up with other ways to get in and out too (sliding the entire  
forward cockpit forward, do what Ford GT or whatever does where it  
takes part of the roof with it when you open the otherwise  
conventional door, etc).

There are two conversion door kits that I noticed on the site.  One is  
for scissor doors like on Lamborghinis, which rotate upward and  
forward from a hinge below the A-pillar (basically).  The conversion  
kits, however, require the doors to swing out a little to clear the A- 
pillar before they can swing up (if you look at a car that was  
designed for scissor doors, the A-pillar is inset a little so the door  
can swing straight up).  They can be used in what I've heard described  
as "girlfriend mode", and act like normal hinged doors.

To me, the "gullwing" conversion kit is more of a "minivan hatchback  
mechanism for your doors" kit.  The doors appear to be hinged at the  
at the edge of the roof.  It seems they can be optionally motorized  
via linear actuators as well.  I'm too lazy to download the  
instructions and see exactly how it's installed (also, the  
instructions link seems to be broken), or if a more traditional  
gullwing look can be obtained by cutting part of the roof as well.

	http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/product.lasso?prodinc=gullwingdoors

A few years ago I met a guy who does scissor door conversions (they  
make the kits; not sure if these are the same guys).  He said they get  
a lot of requests for gullwings, but that it is difficult because of  
the extra strength the roof needs to support the doors.  I'm not sure  
if he meant this "edge of the roof" style or a "true" gullwing design  
where part of the roof comes with the doors and looks like a gull's  
wing (more or less).

Still, not bad for $500, if you're into that kind of thing.

-- Joe

> Actually the Delorean does not have "true" Gullwing doors,yes it does
> have Gullwing doors,BUT true Gullwing doors were installed/used
> because of the frame belt line running high across the sides of the
> car making normal doors inpractical,Both the Mercedes Gullwing and
> the Bricklin SV-1 had/have a "true" need for Gullwing doors,thus they
> are truly Gullwing cars,Deloreans have no high beltline frame running
> alongside the car,needing gullwing doors,they are there as a selling
> feature and as a sensable alternative to regular doors,But NOT really
> needed.
>
>
>
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Bob Cutrupi" <Delorean3@...> wrote:
>>
>> Will these kits work on the Delorean?
>>
>> (kidding)
>>


[long quote snipped by moderator]


To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/