Door panels and leather-strap for window regulator

Ole Petter · 10-23-2008, 03:39 AM

Hi, here comes a little story of one thing leading to another...
It started with the drivers' door window not going down. So I had to strip the door to get to the mechanism. The door panels came off at a snap, but the window mechanism was not easy to remove from the door. At last it came out and the first thing i noticed was the weight of the thing - 1.91 kg!... Hmmmmm...
Now that the window was free of the mechanism it should be able to move freely down all the way - no, what is this? There was some "fabric" coming loose from the window "rails". So I had to knife that away. Then some silicone spray and the window was free to come up an down - sliding easily... But the door-panels had some water damage and was quite out of its original shape at the bottom. Maybe just make some new ones?
Well yes! 4 mm cardboard did just fine - lightweight and easy to cut and drill. But what about all that weight of the door-pulls, the door pockets and lids - did I really need all that? Well - no. The weight of these parts and the window mechanism was - +8 kg... Hmmmm!!!

And one more thing - when opening and closing, the door stay "mechanism" made noises as:

clikety-clack-crack... Better order a new doorstay then. But the new one just made things worse, much worse!

Grmmmbh ¤#!@ Well, this was not what I wanted. What to do. Of course I have seen pictures of the glory-days-racing Porsches, they just had leather straps for door-stops - well why not? No noise, light weight! And a wonderful new-car feeling when closing the door, no strange sounds, no resistance of movement, just a free, sliding motion and that wonderful plllliing noise when shut.

And, the use of leather-straps to make the (OE glass) window go up and down? Seems to work just great, but the windows will probably stay in the closed position more than they used to...

Anyway - new doorpanels, lighter doors and no more awful noises...
Well, I like it just fine that way, thank you!

johnS porsches · 10-23-2008, 05:10 AM

That looks great,

but what about anti theft protection, wen they put a steel wire with a hook at te top of your window en the pull the leather strap up, the window will drop down and they are in.

But ik looks great

no offens

Ole Petter · 10-23-2008, 06:19 AM

Theft protection is not the strongest point, I agree to that! But there is nothing in the car to steal, and it is equipped with a battery cut-off switch with a key. Besides I live in a very small town and hardly ever leave the car. Weight-saving is number 1 for me. Nuber 2 is getting the car as "raw" and pure as possible (in a back to basics (my friends think stonge-age

!?) way) apart from the plush seats - I just love them - a delight. From a humble 10/74 911 S I have shed 121,5 kg. The red hood in the back of the photos (hardly visible) is fiberglass and will reduce the weight further... An ongoing project.

There is indeed one problem with these cars, even in a remote place as where I live - and that is envy and that some folks can't seem to leave them alone... One owner (here in Norway) even had a bottle thrown at his car from speed! For crying out loud...!

Some while back a villain scratched up the bonnet of my heavily turbo'ed Volvo (rear-wheel drive 940, never should have sold that car). Such things is a constant worrty.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

can I have your door pockets?

Ole Petter · 10-23-2008, 12:44 PM

I have removed 121,5 kg of various parts that I consider of no use as to adding more fun or not gaining performance - in my view... I am keeping all those parts so that if I someday will change my mind and "go back to original spec", I can do just that. I don't think I ever will, but who knows. I do feel that the parts in some way ought to stay with the car, so no, I will keep everything. Hope you don't find this too strange...!

robert walsh · 10-23-2008, 04:17 PM

I'm sorry, I understand what your doing, but I don't think it looks appropriate , or are you planning on cleaning it up a bit, so it doesn't look so "what the hell is that". But I understand your method to achieve your goal. However your cork seats look terrific, maybe put some light racing seats in, and sell me the ones in the picture, your vision and unique methodoligy are to be commended.

sleepy911 · 10-23-2008, 07:53 PM

It has that post apocalyptic mad max thing going on

I like anything that reduced weight but if you go to an uphostery shop and buy some package shelf panel board it has a nice fake leather like pattern that might look a little cleaner. just a thought. While your at it remove those front seats and weight them it you don't strain your back getting those suckers out.

Rodsrsr · Rodsrsr's Garage

I think it looks great. I would also get some lightweight race seats which should help tie it all together. (and shead even more weight) very cool.

Ole Petter · 10-23-2008, 11:05 PM

I agree with the seats. They are very very comfy - the best seats I have ever had the pleasure to sit in... But they hold you real tight as well!

The picture does not show it well but the fabric on the door-panels is "black canvas" - and has a classic/retro look. And I do have a pair of skinny

, black Recaro sports seats that would "clean things up". They just need to be upholstered. I also have a (very red) fiberglass hood that awaits painting - and a lightweight Optima battery is on its way.

This is an ongoing project - nowhere near finished!
That said, I really want the car to be as pure and clean as possible.

I am really thrilled with the car, and as the weight has come down, I just like it better and better. The "simpler" it gets the more feel and raw spirit it transmits -sometimes I feel like Jürgen Barth thundering down the road... I guess I am not the only one getting these fantacies?
When I take friends for a ride they are genuinely shocked by the performance and the sound(s). The latest trip left my friend open-mouthed with a dreamily look on his face as I drove off - the silly grin on his face was somewhat disturbing... I mean it is only a car?????? Right? Hi hi

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

can you post a close-up of the "black canvas" fabric on the door-panels?

you might also want the door panel tops to be black leather or vinyl

Paulporsche · 11:14 AM

Your cork interior looks to be in fantastic shape. What are those vertical ribs about 6" apart along the top of the door?

Ole Petter · 10-24-2008, 12:03 PM

I tried to take pictures of the fabric, but it is difficult to catch the "weave" on film. But it is a coarse weave like some army-equipment used to be. To me it is has a classic look about it.

The vertical stripes is cracks in the cork upper surface from heat. The car is an ex California (sold new from Rusnak, Pasadena). The dashboard has the same cracks as well. I just think of it as patina...? The car is well past 30 years old...

Paulporsche · 10-24-2008, 12:58 PM

Doesn't look bad in the photos. I thought maybe it was seaming in leather or something similar.

robert walsh · 10-24-2008, 02:36 PM

I think I get the photo's now, it's a progression of shots, the last showing the leather window straps w/stiched edges, the finished design looks very retro, gotta like it.

jwernquist · 10-24-2008, 02:41 PM

Just a tip from my old leather days, take a black felt tip permanent marker or dye and hit those edges of the cut leather you will be glad you did.

JW

sleepy911 · 10-24-2008, 06:20 PM

I've got to see a pic. now!!!!!!!!!!!

Ole Petter · 10-25-2008, 02:16 AM

Yes, I will dye the leather! I have dyed several things in the past, not got to do it yet...

The car is Chocolate Brown - that is what is is called in the users manual that went with the car

robert walsh · 10-25-2008, 06:06 AM

Over time I think the leather straps will stretch and cause the windows to whistle whille you drive, now come on Petter sell me those seats. I'll have to get mine re-stuffed, my leather is fine (cork) but the coushin's and or springs are shot. when you look at mine they look great, when you sit in them you ass hit's the floor. Bummer

Ole Petter · 10-25-2008, 07:13 AM

If the leather-straps will stretch, then I will adjust for that where they are attached to the window... No problem!

The seats stays with me. It should be quite easy to repair the springs or what they are called at the bottom of your seats? Good luck!

sleepy911 · 10-25-2008, 02:14 PM

I have rewebbed these many times. Not a hard job at all. any large upholstery shop usually has the webbing.