Nice work there Rich. I tell you what, I am interested in lambo doors very much. I enjoy the posts in this thread because of the inginuity. Nice work on that nochie. I believe someone should offer a kit for a reasonable price. I am not ever going to produce one, but I would rather purchase a kit, and then do my own fabwork to bring them up to grade. Chris, don't go out in the cold buddy. I got a small little garage, and am always shuffeling cars inbetween storage and home. But my 36 year old a$$ is done crawling around on the ground in the fridgid cold. Besides, Spokane just got hit with upwards of 3 feet of snow in the last 36 hours! Good luck to all.

quote Originally posted by Chris Hodson: Welcome to the forum Tony, You guys are going to make me go out in the cold aren't you lol. Id rather make more drawings first Im not exactly sure what measurements i need just yet ive been away form this for a while.... Ill think about it Thank you.

Thinking about it is ok, but you just got your doors blown off... literally...

quote Originally posted by silver 85 sc: Me and Jesse (88lambofiero) put this together. He needed a weld project for welding school. This is the 1st generation. The second set he did had a machined block. I don't have pictures, however the doors do work nice. We have the bolt hole patterns all figured out, however we don't have the bracket that would weld to the swing arm perfected for a true bolt on hinge. This is the only thing left to figure out. He has a price of $600.00 on these hinges.(All brackets and gas struts) I have an old 86 sport coupe in the garage that we thought would be a good candidate to figure it out on. The problem is we need a garage with a welder to finish it out. The photos are of the Dells Run and we went to the 25th also. The biggest problem we had was clearing the fender. Since we are trying to make these specifically for the Fiero we hope to have all the clearance issues resolved. It will help when I get Solid Works at work. Then I can fabricate these on the computer screen instead of cutting and trimming etc... Chris were you at the Heartland show? Jesse's car was there. We will be hitting the local shows next summer for sure (Dells, Heartland, and Fierorama) If anyone wants to check things out. Rich

Rich, first of all, VERY nice work.
Is this a design you guys are willing to share? I know you'll be attempting to sell it, but I also know that a LOT of people can and would throw $600 for a ready-made set - even if you did give us the down-low on the design, because that blows the previous lowest price I've seen out of the water... especially for something that we can plainly see is at least a working prototype. Although some may try to copy your design, we all know what's what...

Anyway, Chris, get off yer butt, dust off your scanner & drawings, and let's get some more brainstorms brewing. Mine will probably be a one-off since it's reversed, but I (and many others) still need ideas... Did you ever get those industrial hinges to play with?

C'MAAAAAHN,


Let's go!

quote Originally posted by fieroboom: Rich, first of all, VERY nice work. Is this a design you guys are willing to share? I know you'll be attempting to sell it, but I also know that a LOT of people can and would throw $600 for a ready-made set - even if you did give us the down-low on the design, because that blows the previous lowest price I've seen out of the water... especially for something that we can plainly see is at least a working prototype. Although some may try to copy your design, we all know what's what... Anyway, Chris, get off yer butt, dust off your scanner & drawings, and let's get some more brainstorms brewing. Mine will probably be a one-off since it's reversed, but I (and many others) still need ideas... Did you ever get those industrial hinges to play with? C'MAAAAAHN, Let's go!

When (if?) we get Solid Works at work I will do a full blown 3D print and post it. Until then, the drawings I have are a big batch of individual parts that don't really make sense.

Rich

quote Originally posted by silver 85 sc: Here's a joint project with 88lambofiero. Rich

My friend Tom (Hardpact) and I looked at (tested them out) the hinges on this car quite a bit at the 25th show. We also spoke to Jesse, for about a half hour about the design process. The quality is really good, it doesn't look to difficult to install (minor tweeking) and has a great price. We both firmly believe that when perfected, your going to sell quite a few. We are both planning onj buying a set (or two) this spring. My recommendation for anybody is to buy a set, this is the closest to bolt in for the price, aAchie's heavily modified is the exception, your going to get. Just my .02 -Jason

quote Originally posted by Chris Hodson: ...I wonder what Todd has been up to?...

He's finally back. It was a long, crazy, year or so for me. I got divorced, temporarily shut the business down, sold my house/shop, and moved to Columbus, Ohio. I was so busy trying to survive long enough to make some decisions, with no real income, and then trying to make the decisions a reality that I didn't have time to even think about anything fun...

I am knee-deep in getting established here, and in getting my business up and running again, but eventually I will have time to help with this. I'll try to keep up and add my two-cents when I can; and as I have time possibly do some sketching or 3D models.

Happy Holidays!

quote Originally posted by toddshotrods: He's finally back. It was a long, crazy, year or so for me. I got divorced, temporarily shut the business down, sold my house/shop, and moved to Columbus, Ohio. I was so busy trying to survive long enough to make some decisions, with no real income, and then trying to make the decisions a reality that I didn't have time to even think about anything fun... I am knee-deep in getting established here, and in getting my business up and running again, but eventually I will have time to help with this. I'll try to keep up and add my two-cents when I can; and as I have time possibly do some sketching or 3D models. Happy Holidays!

I'm sorry man, but I have to say that every time I see your name, I laugh... To me it looks like todd-shot-rods
hehe

lolol

quote Originally posted by fieroboom: I'm sorry man, but I have to say that every time I see your name, I laugh... To me it looks like todd-shot-rods hehe

LOL! I actually don't even like it anymore, but don't fell like starting over (again) with a new name on the forums I am on. Wish I would have just used my name...

quote Originally posted by Tony Kania: ...When I read how much Archie is asking for lambo doors, I shat myself...

That statement just made me go and find out what Archie was asking. I was expecting to see something like $2500-3000 based on that post, but was shocked to see that the price was incredibly reasonable IMHO.

Please don't get offended guys but you're really asking for too much for two dollars to think his price is high. I've been doing custom work for more than two decades and, knowing what I know, I would rather get a second (or third) job and save up the money to get in on the next group buy form Archie than start building these things from scratch.

If you still want to roll your own I say go for it, but just be advised you're going to spend a LOT of time to even get close to what he is offering and as the saying goes, time = money. I am not trying to discourage the efforts here just providing a counterpoint for those who could be getting themselves in over their heads trying to save a buck.

That being said where are all the new drawings and ideas for a better hinge? It's been a year, someone had to have had some new brainstorms by now...

[This message has been edited by toddshotrods (edited 12-19-2008).]

quote Originally posted by toddshotrods: That statement just made me go and find out what Archie was asking. I was expecting to see something like $2500-3000 based on that post, but was shocked to see that the price was incredibly reasonable IMHO. Please don't get offended guys but you're really asking for too much for two dollars to think his price is high. I've been doing custom work for more than two decades and, knowing what I know, I would rather get a second (or third) job and save up the money to get in on the next group buy form Archie than start building these things from scratch. If you still want to roll your own I say go for it, but just be advised you're going to spend a LOT of time to even get close to what he is offering and as the saying goes, time = money. I am not trying to discourage the efforts here just providing a counterpoint for those who could be getting themselves in over their heads trying to save a buck. That being said where are all the new drawings and ideas for a better hinge? It's been a year, someone had to have had some new brainstorms by now...

Well, I looked all over his site, and I don't see the hinges.

But, I have to disagree with you... The accomplished DIY-er will never spend as much money, but will always spend more time than a shop like Archie's. The reason is because he's doing it for himself, on the cheap, and he doesn't have to provide a warranty or hear any crap if it breaks. AFAIK, Archie stands behind all of his products, and I admire him for that, but I'm 100% sure that it can be done cheaper by an accomplished DIY-er with some semi-basic shop tools. Also, I'm sure it's difficult for Archie to supply awesome hinges to some schmuck who screws up his car, then blames Archie for it.
All I want is brainstorms, ideas, and square 1's, and there are many people here that are ballin' on a budget, like me, that would either roll their own with the assistance of other's ideas, or buy a cheaper set to experiment with, knowing that it's not going to be 100% bolt-on ready.

In any case, I sketched mine out lastnight, and I think it just might work, but I gotta do a LOT of modding... Can't wait!

I wish I had the money to drop my car off at Archie's, but I don't. I think his work is above outstanding... I just can't afford it!

quote Originally posted by fieroboom: ...But, I have to disagree with you... The accomplished DIY-er...

It's not really a disagreement. My words were really aimed at the guy who does not have a lot of experience, who just wants to save a buck. What I am looking at is the amount of R&D already present in the hinges Archie is offering. He started with a pre-existing hinge that has been on the market, successfully, for years. He added to that the hands-on experience his shop has with these cars to make them as painless a process as possible for the guy who doesn't have a lot of experience with fabrication. In reality, you're getting a lot for the money... A few months of flipping burgers on the side might be worth it for some people.

As I said, I am all for the DIY-er - that's why I am still posting in this thread. I am the guy who grabs a chunk of aluminum and spends hours making a part that I could easily order, for a relatively cheap price, just for the satisfaction of knowing that the end result is a work of my hands. I still think vertical door hinges could be done better, but also realize that most people are satisfied with what's currently available. That's why I never tried to make them and sell them - I don't believe there is a demand for what I would make. As for the cheaper part, it's possible but only if you don't count your time...

Here's where I read about Archie's deal.

... the past three days have been nothing but snow, wind and ice storms this sucks. I cant even open the doors on any of my Fieros. Im apart of hearland btw I was at the last show with my 3800 swapped 86, maybe someone remembers the erecter set spoiler and the hyper extending hood lol

I think it would be really neat if someone came up with a design that worked, and turned it into templates and let it become public knowledge. Something you could make with somewhat basic shop tools, tools you can get at harbor freight. Make the pieces easy to cut with regular tools but still maintain function etc..

At least the DIY-er would have a good shot at making something like this before giving into one of the more mainstream hinges.

I just found this thread, once upon a time in high school I thought I could make my own vertical door hinges, I mocked one up out of foam, then made one out of metal. I gave up on the idea after a little bit, my prototype didn't have bearings or anything, it was just metal on metal. I didn't think it was possible to make anything come of it.
Here's the foam one, in the closed position:
The part that looks like a "C" would mount to the frame behind the fender, and the long straight part would mount to the door.
You would first open the door a little bit, like this:
Then it would go up:

Then I made one out of metal, I didn't include the part that would mount to the door, this "prototype" was just to try to understand the hinge mechanism and see if it would work. Closed position:
Then open:
Then up:

I thought about trying to put skateboard wheel bearings in it, but never went any further with that plan. -Mark

quote Originally posted by toddshotrods: It's not really a disagreement. My words were really aimed at the guy who does not have a lot of experience, who just wants to save a buck. What I am looking at is the amount of R&D already present in the hinges Archie is offering. He started with a pre-existing hinge that has been on the market, successfully, for years. He added to that the hands-on experience his shop has with these cars to make them as painless a process as possible for the guy who doesn't have a lot of experience with fabrication. In reality, you're getting a lot for the money... A few months of flipping burgers on the side might be worth it for some people. As I said, I am all for the DIY-er - that's why I am still posting in this thread. I am the guy who grabs a chunk of aluminum and spends hours making a part that I could easily order, for a relatively cheap price, just for the satisfaction of knowing that the end result is a work of my hands. I still think vertical door hinges could be done better, but also realize that most people are satisfied with what's currently available. That's why I never tried to make them and sell them - I don't believe there is a demand for what I would make. As for the cheaper part, it's possible but only if you don't count your time... Here's where I read about Archie's deal.

Very well said, and totally agreed.

Chris, your prototype looks pretty good for being so simple...

looks more durrable than my prototype
lol Thats neat

[This message has been edited by Chris Hodson (edited 12-22-2008).]

quote Originally posted by V8IndyProject: I just found this thread, once upon a time in high school I thought I could make my own vertical door hinges, I mocked one up out of foam, then made one out of metal. I gave up on the idea after a little bit, my prototype didn't have bearings or anything, it was just metal on metal. I didn't think it was possible to make anything come of it. The part that looks like a "C" would mount to the frame behind the fender, and the long straight part would mount to the door. Then I made one out of metal, I didn't include the part that would mount to the door, this "prototype" was just to try to understand the hinge mechanism and see if it would work. Closed position: I thought about trying to put skateboard wheel bearings in it, but never went any further with that plan. -Mark

Mark, I am soooo sorry... I skimmed over the last few comments, and for some reason, I thought this was the work of Chris Hodson... Excellent mock-up.

[This message has been edited by fieroboom (edited 12-22-2008).]

HA! i didn't catch that, i Just thought his name was chris also lol So i didn't say anything.

OK,

For those of you looking for a down and dirty set, how much work are you willing to do? Welding is required regardless at this point, so would you be willing to do all the tapping required? And would you be willing to get your own purchased parts if provided with a list? That would be struts, pivots for the struts, fasteners, bushings and pins, bolts...? How much interest would there be in a down and dirty base kit that would require full assembly. The only thing that would be provided would be the machined and laser cut parts, and a crude assembly drawing, until I can get access to better drafting software, or photos of an assembly process. Jesse and I have discussed this and are kind of at a crossroads on the subject. I will say this, that the struts and pivots came from O'Reillys, the bushings and pins came from Motion Industries, and the fasteners came from Fastenall. I'm pretty sure that all of these companies are nationwide. For those of you looking to get a set right away this is going to be it. For those of you looking for a near bolt in you will have to wait.


So to be clear a down and dirty set requires:
1) tapping
2) grinding
3) locating a supplier and ordering you own parts
4) assembling the parts
5) welding the swing plate to the door plate. (this needs to be done anyway)
6) welding the swing guide (this needs to be done anyway)


And will be supplied with only the fabricated parts as follows:
1) door plate LH and RH
2) pivot block LH and RH
3) pivot block cover LH and RH
4) Swing arm parts LH and RH
5) pillar plate LH and RH
6) Swing guide LH and RH

A complete set includes all the above except for the welding of the swing plate to the door plate and the welding of the swing guide to the pillar plate.

It is quite possible that people out there can get the purchased parts wholesale whereas Jesse and I have to pay retail. I don't know how the numbers will compare, but I'm sure there will be a savings of some sort.
You can contact me, but I'd rather you contact 88lambofiero. I'm not sure when we will get a 100% bolt on kit. We will be working on these this summer. There are a couple of cars for sale locally and we are trying to secure funding to get these cars. One is an '88 GT and the other is an '86 se. I also have old blue in the garage that we will probably end up butchering instead of sacrificing a good car.

Show us the interest and we will gauge from there on how to proceed. Jesse does want to rework his car since the first prototypes are on his car. So I can see a new set on his car by the time the Dells Run comes around.

Rich

quote Originally posted by silver 85 sc: OK, For those of you looking for a down and dirty set, how much work are you willing to do?... Show us the interest and we will gauge from there on how to proceed...

Sounds like a pretty good offer to me, that fits the theme of this thread.

quote Originally posted by silver 85 sc: ...and a crude assembly drawing, until I can get access to better drafting software, or photos of an assembly process...

I might be able to help with that if you need it.

quote Originally posted by toddshotrods: I might be able to help with that if you need it.

X2

I have welder, grinder, etc, etc... I'd love to help you guys come up with a bolt-on. I have a car that is 100% torn apart, so I can do any kind of modifying & test fitting needed. If you feel like looking at my build thread in my sig, you can see I'm currently building my own engine hoist... I love creating; let me know how I can help!

------------------
Journal of a concept: http://southeastfieros.com >>> Build Thread >>> Parts thread (for project funding)

I like this silver 85 sc guy. It does fit the theme I neet to get some 02 so I can weld.

quote Originally posted by silver 85 sc: OK, For those of you looking for a down and dirty set, how much work are you willing to do? Welding is required regardless at this point, so would you be willing to do all the tapping required? And would you be willing to get your own purchased parts if provided with a list? That would be struts, pivots for the struts, fasteners, bushings and pins, bolts...? How much interest would there be in a down and dirty base kit that would require full assembly. The only thing that would be provided would be the machined and laser cut parts, and a crude assembly drawing, until I can get access to better drafting software, or photos of an assembly process. Jesse and I have discussed this and are kind of at a crossroads on the subject. I will say this, that the struts and pivots came from O'Reillys, the bushings and pins came from Motion Industries, and the fasteners came from Fastenall. I'm pretty sure that all of these companies are nationwide. For those of you looking to get a set right away this is going to be it. For those of you looking for a near bolt in you will have to wait. So to be clear a down and dirty set requires: 1) tapping 2) grinding 3) locating a supplier and ordering you own parts 4) assembling the parts 5) welding the swing plate to the door plate. (this needs to be done anyway) 6) welding the swing guide (this needs to be done anyway) And will be supplied with only the fabricated parts as follows: 1) door plate LH and RH 2) pivot block LH and RH 3) pivot block cover LH and RH 4) Swing arm parts LH and RH 5) pillar plate LH and RH 6) Swing guide LH and RH A complete set includes all the above except for the welding of the swing plate to the door plate and the welding of the swing guide to the pillar plate. It is quite possible that people out there can get the purchased parts wholesale whereas Jesse and I have to pay retail. I don't know how the numbers will compare, but I'm sure there will be a savings of some sort. You can contact me, but I'd rather you contact 88lambofiero. I'm not sure when we will get a 100% bolt on kit. We will be working on these this summer. There are a couple of cars for sale locally and we are trying to secure funding to get these cars. One is an '88 GT and the other is an '86 se. I also have old blue in the garage that we will probably end up butchering instead of sacrificing a good car. Show us the interest and we will gauge from there on how to proceed. Jesse does want to rework his car since the first prototypes are on his car. So I can see a new set on his car by the time the Dells Run comes around. Rich

I don't have a problem with selling a bare bone set with a detailed list of parts you will need and where they can be found. I will send pic of the ones on my car and a drawing. So you know what they should look like when done. The price will be $400 plus shipping and handling. if any one is interested please e-mail me Jesse ( 88lambofiero ) instead of Rich ( silver 85 sc ) Thanks

Not sure if this is going anywhere, I for one would LOVE to have lambo doors on my Fiero GT but like I am sure some of you are a diyer and cannot afford to buy them. I do have a cnc milling machine here tho and I offer my services to get a prototype machined from aluminum or steel. I have never seen a lambo door hinge up close but have seen some pictures on here. They do not look all that complex altho there is some curves and such. The welding for me is no problem. I looked on ebay and there are a lot of diy kits for around the $400.00 mark with the shocks and stuff included but I am sure you would need to modify adapt it to the fiero.. IMHO the fiero is probably the only american car that these doors would look at home on!!! peace


Pete