THE WEIGHTS - RSA Panel vs CF Panel vs Stock Panel
 

Many of you have been following my weight loss thread titled "438 lbs gone in 5 days - My Build Story". (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=423361)

I have meticulously documented the weights removed from my '87 Carrera and I am now publishing them for those that want to know the facts. Enjoy!

The best thread that I have found for RSA door panel installation is included right here. It is titled "RSA Door Panel - How To" .
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=175357

A special thanks has to go out to Bob at AppBiz and Phyllis at GT Racing. Phyllis supplied a CF door panel for weight purposes and trusted that I would return it. Bob at Appbiz whent WAY out of his way and helped with all kinds of interior stuff that will be posted shortly. Bob guided me via phone & email many times and it refreshing to see that people like Bob still like to work for a living! I cannot thank them enough!!


HERE WE GO!!! If you are wondering how much weight a RSA door panel will save you over the current 74-89 stock door panel; You will find the answer to be 12.33 lbs total. If you do not re-install the lock bezels you are looking at 12.47 lbs. What about a Carbon Fiber model offered by AppBiz and GT Racing?? The CF Panel with the Aluminum Handle and Aluminun Bezel for pull strap weighs in at 3.31 lbs vs the RSA at 3.59 lbs. Keep in mind the RSA panel has the stainless window bezels installed, so I would call them just about even. If you think the CF will save you weight....it will not. The CF choice is about taste and $$.

Now for the Data!!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067777.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067801.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067823.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067836.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067848.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067860.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067874.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067899.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228067911.jpg

Some before and After Pics





http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228068289.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228068306.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228068322.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1228068336.jpg

I am thinking that covering the manual lock mechanism isn't a great idea unless you have manual windows. Blow a fuse and you may be in there for awhile.

Maybe fashion some new pins for the top of the door with a head that you can pull up in an emergency.

thanks Joe

this is using the "scale that is used to weigh refrigerant very precisely" (from your first thread)??

do you know the stated accuracy of the scale? if not, what is the max. wt. it will measure?

I have electric locks, and I think I can still open door with key even if fuse is blown...I think! Good point though.

No problem Webb,

The scale model is Inficon WeyTek and it is the same scale I have used in the weight loss thread and on every item.

Max Weight is 220 lbs
Accuracy is 0.25 oz

Joe, what was your total weight loss attributed to your work on the interior and going to two race buckets and lt wt interior?

I have always guessed about 100 lbs total there.

Better yet how about by category:

Interior.
Bumpers.
Rear duck tail.
A/C
Battery
Exhaust
Boot contents (spare, tools, jack...)
Other??

911st

My breakdown will be posted on my wieght thread. I am cleaning it up right now and might have it done tonight. I will let you know what I added back in, but the post spreadsheet will only show weight out. Currently I am at 522 lbs Out and 133 lbs back in.

My classifications are as follows:
Body
Bumper Front
Bumper Rear
HVAC-A/C
HVAC-Heat/Vent
Interior - Door Panel
Interior - Insulation
Interior
Other - Mechanical

Kool stuf, very informative. My 82SC is down to 2394lbs with 37%front and 63%rear with 1/2 tank and no driver. I wish to know what you do and the weight savings on the rear lid. If anyone would wish to chime in to me about the ratio's and how much off the rear I can save let me know, thanks Tom

Go to this thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=423361

Bob at appbiz here
Joe I suggest you purchase some plastic 70's VW lock plungers for the doors, this will enable you to unlock the car from the inside with a negligable weight increase.
Bob

Thanks again Bob!! I was hoping someone would have a solution.

The post on your rear mat is on the way. I have had some computer problems.

Let me know if anyone finds an actual part. Especially with a way to light up like the factory pins, which I am not sure how to activate.

Also, i would need a carbon panel with no round cutout.

Cheers.

RT

Ask Bob at Appbiz about the CF panel.

944 door lock - ah - thingies - light up with red LEDs - I don't have a pic -- a guy in BC has that car now

so if he sees your thread and is motivated he might be able to post a pic

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/944M/POR_944M_INTpnl_pg1.htm

Two at the bottom. Anyone up to try?

RT

Looks good - there is also a number of "bits" inside the door that can be removed, clips, tabs and "block" attachment points that would save you maybe another .5 lbs per door - not sure if you noiced them in there or not.

As far as the attachment points - you can attach the entire panel with no exterior clips - it can all be done from the inside with the clips that Bob sells at Appbiz, panel looks much cleaner.

Also one round foam bezel takes care of the door lock problem - vs the foam
strips.

Anyway good job and good documentation.

take out the safety beam too -- it weighs a lot...

Would you take the bar out with out a cage?

Did the early doors have the bar? If not, anyone know what year they came into production?

Cheers

'73 or 73.5 IIRC - AFAIK it is '73.5 - mine has it. And I left it in as no roll bar.

When you deleted the lock knob, how did you eliminate the metal "block" used to mount the knob? It looks as if the block sticks out into the panel.

I've been doing some searching. Has anyone successfully linked the led in the door pin to an aftermarket alarm?

RT

I left the metal block there. it does not stick out or protrude thru vinyl.

Door Lock Knob Replacement
 

"Bob at appbiz here
Joe I suggest you purchase some plastic 70's VW lock plungers for the doors, this will enable you to unlock the car from the inside with a negligable weight increase."

Bob, thanks for the suggestion. I'm installing some of your RS (not RSA) panels on my '78SC (they fit great, thanks!) and want to get rid of the factory door unlock mechanism for a cleaner panel look. Seems like the easiest solution is to find a tall knob like in the '71-73 911's, but with the larger 5mm threaded hole to fit on the larger SC door lock rod. Is that what you're suggesting with the VW vintage parts, or are you saying replace the SC rod mechanism?

Seems like this would be a popular retrofit if anyone wants to produce?

Thanks, apologies for the thread diversion.

Bob