Recessed Plate Fitment
What
is this?
This is where
a recessed metal plate is welded into position. This procedure is a
preparation step for the actual installation of the Lambo Door
conversion.
Why
is it needed?
On most
modern cars there is enough space to install a Lambo Door, which
needs around 3-4 inches of clear space to operate to its maximum
potential. Modern cars have this space as part of the side crumple
zone. Older cars do not, and typically have only 1-2 inches, which
seriously reduces the ability of a Lambo Door kit to operate.
Some other
cars (mostly older) have weld on hinges and nowhere to bolt the
Lambo Door kit to, and need a recessed plate to provide something
significant to bolt the kit to.
How
do I do it?
Remove all
wiring from the surrounding area as this will catch fire with the
welding needed, and also from the cutting.
Protect the
glass from the welding/grinding.
Mark the area
You need a
large grinder – cut out a large proportion of the A post, and weld
into place the recessed plate. The Lambo Door can then be bolted
into position as normal. See pictures below.
Strength!
It is vital
that the strength removed when cutting into the A post is replaced.
That is the reason that the plate we supply tends to be between 6mm
and 10mm thick depending upon application.
Welding must
be carried out to a high standard. Full penetration welds between
thick and thin metal is a challenge – we would not use a MIG of less
than 300 Amp for this job – pigeon shit welds are worthless for any
job, for this they will be dangerous.
The plate
MUST be 100% seam welded into position – stitching, tacking or spot
welds are neither suitable, safe nor legal.
Help
This is at
the highest level of complexity of Lambo Door installation. If you
find yourself unable to carry out this work, then we are only too
happy to do it for you. If you really struggle then please call
08707518518 for a quote. We are happy to carry out as little or as
much as you need.
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 |
This is a typical A post in need of a
recessed plate to get decent lambos working. Here you can see the
wing, and wiring, plus the door have been removed, to prevent
damage. We use a 9 inch grinder to remove the bulk of the metal, and
4.5 inches grinders to tiny up afterwards. |
 |
The large plate being fitted is used as a
template. This plate must be large enough to fit the lambo door
mechanism to, and positioned to allow adjustment, and correct
operation of the kit.
The technique is to draw around the plate
and then cut slightly inside it with the 9 inch grinder. Then tidy
up with the smaller grinder so the plate "just" fits - as this will
make the welding far easier.
Accuracy is important if both sides of the
car are to be the same. |
 |
Here you see the A post cut open - please
be under no illusion - this is a significant part of the strength of
the car, and that strength must be put back - that's why the plate
is so thick |
 |
The plate in position and ready for
welding. This must be seam welded. |
 |
Plate is fully welded, and ready for
paint. |
 |
With this type of recessed plate there is
no need to compromise on the height of the door, and it is normally
possible to get the door to open far higher than those cars without
recessed plates. The Civic in the
background has a old style bolt on kit |
 |
Here you can see a similar plate fitted
to an E36. |
 |
This allows the doors to open quite high. |
 |
Another recessed plate car about to be
painted. The Optimum space is as much as you can really 3 inches
should be considered the minimum, 3.5 inches better, and 4 inches
even better if the car allows. All
measurements from the inside of the installed wing, to the outside
of the recessed plate.
Any problems then please do not be afraid
to call.
|
| Once you have installed the
plate, it can then be drilled and tapped in the correct position for
your lambo door kit to bolt onto. This procedure is a conversion for
mainly older, and European cars which either do not have enough
space under the wing, or else have welded hinges. |
