One-of-a-kind RSA door panel

[Jack Olsen]

I have the Appbiz door panels that Pelican sells. We installed them when the car was put together. But we got a surprise when the cage was installed, and found that the door handles' position intersected with the side bars from the cage.

It wasn't a big deal. All it required was bending the handles in slightly so that there was enough room for the door to close. Still, it looked funny.



Last night, I went digging in the garage and found the leather I'd used to re-do my previous 911's door panels and interior. I decided I'd remove the existing door panel leather (since there's no way to patch the holes cut for the handle) and reposition the pull handle to clear the side bar.

There was enough leather left for both door panels, and I proudly pointed out to my wife the virtue of never throwing anything away. Then I used one of the existing panels to make a pattern, and promptly cut out both new pieces...

...completely forgetting that (of course) the two door panels aren't identical; they're mirrored. Naturally, I cut before I thought. I now had two passenger-side door panel pieces and no more leather.



The problem wasn't so much that I couldn't get more leather, but 1) that it's quicker to do both panels at once, and 2) if I used one of the panels I'd just cut, there was no guarantee that a new piece I ordered would match (in terms of color and texture) the one I had.



But I had the passenger side panel taken apart and lying out in front of me, so I stapled in the new leather, and put a new anchor in the door for the handle at an angle that would accommodate the side bar.





So, now I've got a one-of-a-kind panel on the passenger side with an angled handle. When the new leather arrives, I'll have the option of either doing the driver's side to match, or re-doing both if the leather variation is big enough.

While I wait, any opinions on if its better to have the handle at

a) an angle, like is shown in the pictures, or -

b) level, but higher up than it normally would be placed?

[widebody911]

It looks like the handle is awful close to the bar for comfortable door closure. I think a little higher/forward would be better. The angled placement is a nice touch, maybe keep it parallel to the roll bar.

Sometime in the next week I'm going to make the door pulls for mine; I've mapped them out, just gotta actually fab them. Mine will be on the upper portion of the door, just foreward of the mid-point of the door. My logic is that it will be easier to reach and close the door when strapped in; can't count the times I've strapped in and couldn't close the door.

[Mike Bonkalski]

I like the angle and how it follows the side bars.

It seems to be a more natural angle for someone reaching across their body with their left hand to close the door. At least it is when I test it out in my office chair.

[warpspd]

I kinda like the angled look too but maybe a little higher on the door so you can get you hand around it easily.

[mede8er]

Defintely angled...but I can imagined the pinched fingers right now...set it about 2" higher....

[Joeaksa]

Looks nice and custom at the same time. Problem is that only someone who has been through the same situation knows that it is a special one off fitting!

JoeA

[Todd Simpson]

I have the same issue. I moved both the handle and the latch up about 3 inches. Both are now above the cage, even once the padding was installed.

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks for the input. In actual use, it doesn't pinch too close to the bar, but I'll probably move it up a little anyway, for looks.

On a related note: does anyone know of a good source/type of anchor for the handle? I'm using a modified version of the hollow wall anchors you'd use to mount something to sheet rock, but they're flimsier than I'd like.

[widebody911]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen
On a related note: does anyone know of a good source/type of anchor for the handle? I'm using a modified version of the hollow wall anchors you'd use to mount something to sheet rock, but they're flimsier than I'd like.

You can get these in sizes up to at least 1/2" - if that's too flimsy... The next weak point is the door material itself; you should consider laying up some reinforcenent like a couple strips of Nytex.

[RickM]

Originally posted by Jack Olsen
On a related note: does anyone know of a good source/type of anchor for the handle? I'm using a modified version of the hollow wall anchors you'd use to mount something to sheet rock, but they're flimsier than I'd like.

How about using a "Nutsert"? It's a threaded rivet that is applied and allows you to anchore to it via a machine screw.

[}{arlequin]

I'm sure there is room for the fingers anyway, as long as they are not curled around the handle. Still, an unsuspecting newbe passenger will be freaked out a little he he

The angled handle makes it look more "custom"

[Todd Simpson]

My kit came from Appbiz 2-3 years ago and nutserts were included. They're very nice for this application.

[Plavan]

I ran into that problem when I was building my car (the rollbar padding was not on yet. Very old picture). I just moved it up a little higher and angled it also.

[bigchillcar]

here's the trick..leave it alone. use the time it would take to make 'em match to take your porsche widow (mrs. olsen) out to dinner instead. but..be sure to cleverly point out to her that even though you'd 'planned to work on the car', that you decided you'd rather take her out instead..perfect opportunity to utilize the p-car for the betterment of the relationship we spend with the patient women in our lives.. my $.02..
bon appetit!
ryan

[Jack Olsen]

I finally got the second batch of leather and finished both sides. I moved the handles up a little higher, so there was more clearance between the bar and the handle.



In this picture, you can see a rash of recent projects:



From top to bottom, I see:

Revised RSA door panels
Remote display for Valentine 1
Pull-out arm rests
iPod holder with Valentine 1 interface
Center console with Voltmeter, Cylinder Head Temp and Transaxle Temp gauges, as well as sunglasses holder

(Don't worry, the steering wheel is sitting on the passenger seat.)

Oh, and as a bonus, you might notice something just ahead of the roll cage vertical at the base of the opening for the driver's side door. It's a bicycle bottle-holder, tucked into the wasted space between the cage bar and the door. I'm going to see how it works before I re-install the door-mounted cup holder.

[rdane]

I need to post the the little guy who bows here after the last pic. But this will have to do.



Nice work Jack! It was the pull out arm rests that put you over the top.

[masraum]

Jack, I love the center console and the remote console for the V1.

I never found that I needed arm rests in my old car. Before you know it someone's going to mistake yours for a Caddy. A/C, arm rests, leather door panels, you're car is so decadent.

Oh, I agree with most of the others, the slightly higher, but still angled pulls are the shiznit.

[Shocker]

Ok, where did you get that armrest? I am wanting to install the RS doorpanels in my '77, but I really like having an armrest!

Thanks!
Mike

[Jack Olsen]

The armrests are maybe one step pimpy-er than some are comfortable with. So be it. On long drives, I get a pain in my neck from holding my arms up. These will let me rest like Mister-King-of-all-Porsches on those long drives, and then they pop right out (no screwdrivers or wrenches needed) when it's time to go one step more sporty.

Here's the thread about the arm rests.

[rdane]

Looks like the perfect interior to me. Thanks for the link.