The one design difference between the LSD kit and the VDC kit makes the LSD kit so much more "streetable". That horizontal alignment pin makes all the difference in the world. I don't know why VDC hasn't adopted a similar design. I cringed every time I had to turn my keys over to someone else, and even shops who work with modified cars on a regular basis messed up my interior door panels.

 

I think LSD has a patent on the horizontal alignment pin which they also call the "Magic Stick", it really does set them apart. We started with VDC, my door panel is still banged-up from having a VDC Hinge on my Z for a while. VDC hinges were so intractable that I went back to stock till the LSD Hinges became available.

Gary

 

Check out this sight for your Vertical, Suicide, Gull Door needs.
They have "layaway" / financing plans and offer various kits to
suit your needs.

www.cardoorconversion.com

 

Are you affiliated with that company?

 

anyone have any thoughts about the "universal" doors they sell on ebay, friend got some for his acura rsx and they worked great.

 

Don't know much about them, but as a general rule, any modification that claims to be universal, I stay away from. That's just me. The door on the Z is a lot longer and heavier than the RSXs. I wouldn't trust those hinges not to sag badly over time on the Z(requiring constant adjusting), and possibly cracking or bending.

 

Does the LSD or VDC require modification to the fenders, ie. rolling, like the cheap e-bay kits? Can either of these be installed yourself or does it require a shop? Just want to be prepared for what's ahead. Might wait a little longer if I can't just bolt on myself. Thanks.

 

Hey Infern0,
Yes, both kits require rolling or cutting the reinforcing rib at the rear of the fender. It's going to be required for all kits to give the hinge enough horizontal travel before swinging up. I STRONGLY recommend cutting rather than rolling because rolling greatly increases the chances of distorting the exterior face of the panel. Just a thought.

In my case (and I think in most cases) there was enough slack in the wire harness that we didn't have to use the extenders that came with the kit. That said, if you're comfortable with removing the body panels (including bumper, fenders, skirts and doors), and the cutting or rolling, the rest is pretty bolt on and just requires patience and discipline to get all the distances right (bumper to fender, hood to fender, fender to door, door to rear-quarter, door to sill, window to seal, etc), then you shouldn't have too hard of a time. It's definitely a two man job though, so make sure you have a buddy for a full day while you do this.

Good luck!

Edited to add: You should PM the originator of this thread. He found a really good price on getting this done. It may just be worth it to let someone else take on the liability of the job if you're at all uncomfortable with the task.

 

just to let u guys know, I just bought the vertical doors kit for $1,195 shipped to my door.

 

That seems to be about the going rate for that kit these days. Nobody is paying the $1800 (or whatever it is) retail price.

Be careful when opening those suckers. They will chew up your interior door panels if you allow the door to rise too early. The interior door skin will get damaged when it strikes the a-pillar! This is why I recommend the LSD kit to people. They have a patented alignment system that keeps the door down until it's horizontally open, and keeps things lined up when closing so that you don't ding up the inside of the door frame where the latch assembly is.

 

if anyone has links to a video or pics of a DIY install, Im hoping to get a few guys to help me out on the installation.

got a set from another Z owner, beware though, he claimed his wife was naggin about all the trouble of this door opening design. if you are a daily driver, ask for opinions, which i bet can vary.


in hopes to see a link, thanks in advance.

 

anyone know where to get a good deal on LSD hinges

 

We can help you out, http://www.gridesinc.com/Showroom.html#LSD.

Gary

 

hummm. any better deal then that

 

im hoping to get somewhere with this soon! HIN is rolling up real close here in Phoenix, and Im determined to get these bad boys on. Does anyone have pics on where to cut (vs roll) on the fenders? does anyone have pics for before and after as well as during the install. Some people warn it takes 3 days to get these on. Im determined to get it done in one sitting.
If I dont hear back, Im gonna help the next do it yourselfer with some pics.

also some questions for the pros or experienced, cuz im not sure if the moderator had spoken in theory or experience.

1. list of parts for a complete set (bought mine second hand should be all there)
2. does the electric harness need to be extended whatsoever?
3. is spot welding required
4. rolling, cutting of fenders??? hmmm, why did i hear somewhere that its completely bolt on and no fabbing required??
5. anyone work on theor own DIY and ask VDI for any support over the telephone?

(Im speaking of DIY install)

 

Once you get into the project, it will become quite apparent where (i.e. how much) of the strength rib you need to cut. I don't have any pictures, but you can basically mount the door then hold the fender up and see how much travel room the hinge requires. Wouldn't be hard at all.

Depending on how long you call a sitting you might be able to do it, but I think it's a tall order (good luck to ya though)

Awesome! That's what makes a forum great...your contributions are most appreciated.

It's experience. You've seen the pictures of my car, right? I didn't do my own install, but I'm well aware of what was required from talking with the person who did the work.

I just mailed off the booklet that came with my doors to the new owner of the car, otherwise I could provide you with a comprehensive parts list. Give the manufacturer of your kit a call and see if they can send you one. It would be good to have the documentation anyway.

An extension kit came with my doors, however it wasn't needed on my car or the previous owners car. I think most people don't use them with the VDC/LSD kits.


No, the LSD/VDC kits are completely bolt-on kits (minus the fender cutting). No welding required.

In order for the hinge-arm to have the horizontal clearance, the fender has to be modified. It's not a difficult task with the right tools (you could probably use a dremel if you had the patience.) If you think we're pulling your leg, don't know what to tell you.

Nope, sorry.

 

Please give me a call, 805-504-0610 and I'll do my best to give you the best deal, we already have the price discounted more than 10% off retail. You are not going to buy an LSD Kit near the price of VDC or Decah though but, you definitely get what you pay for.

We can also give you support before and after the sale too. We have been selling and installing the LSD Kit's for over a year now so we really know the kits and have a great relationship with LSD Doors. Most people have technical questions when they install these so you would probably appreciate the support and we would be here for you.

Thanks,
Gary

 

ok thanks for the info. I didnt really want to spent this much on the door. I was looking to spend around 1500. oh well.

 

KCOBEAN - thanks for all your comments, advice.

Im going to take pics of the hinge kit (still in the box)
to display to the forum what the VDI kit has.
I did notice the wiring extenders, but as you say, the original
owner didnt use them. people keep telling me that welding is required.
I can bet it will strengthen the installation, but my kit is used,
and the previous owner took the hinge kit off himself!

I have already taken some pics of the before hinges (stock)
this is how far i have gone.
Im waiting one thing before i get the install done, that would be this collision
shop that i barter services with, and they say there is some attachment device that holds the door in place when unmounting the hinges.
they definately have an edge on me as they remove and replace doors and handles parts much more than i do. i found that most collision places arond phoenix dont care to do bodykits or custom jobs because lack of experience
to properly quote and estimate.


also, I hear that the other kit is better for daily use, but is VDI the only kit
that actually opens up straight up versus I see some that dont go all the way up?

 

I've installed the VDI kit before and you can get away with not extending the wiring with their kit. If you need some advice, let me know but please note that they will not go straight-up, I think only GT Factory Hinges do.

Sounds like the door holder that your collision shop is describing is a door dolly, nice tool for sure but you can do the job without it if a friend helps hold and move the door or if you are just mighty strong.

Gary