Re: [DML] Driving With Doors Open

[mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Sorry - I saw alignment and thought suspension.

The doors themselves are not structural in the sense that the 
frame is however they do increase the rigidity of the car when 
they are closed.  This is a big deal in an accident but not 
at low speeds on paved roads.  

It's generally not a good idea to drive around with the doors open.
Others have done it in parades without any immediate problems.
I just don't think it's worth the risk.  The doors are heavy and have 
a pretty good moment arm with respect to the torsion spring mounts
at the body.  If they start bouncing around or get caught by a gust of 
wind, they will stress those mounts.  If you are just on the track
it should be smooth enough to not cause any problems but wind
is still a concern.

If you just have to have the doors open, I would suggest having  
someone sitting in the passenger seat to keep an eye on the door 
and prevent it from bouncing around too much.  If it turns out to 
be windy that day, another alternative would be to keep them 
closed most of the time and make a grand(er) entrance by opening 
them simultaneously as you pass the grandstand. 

--
Mike


-------------- Original message from "ctdmc83" <nmastrocinque@xxxxxxxxxxxx>: -------------- 


> Hello! I'd appreciate a little more information on this. I'd like 
> to drive my D in a local parade, and I'm concerned not about the 
> suspension, but about the body. Start by assuming that my car's 
> chassis is in good condition and not rusted or damaged. Will driving 
> at five mph on a well paved road cause excessive flexure of the GRP 
> underbody or stainless skins, which is likely to cause cracked glass, 
> or damage the underbody or skins? Has anyone personal experience 
> driving in a parade with both doors open? 
> Thanks in advance, 
> NM 
> 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





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