Any Sheet Metal in the Door?

[Steve1979]

I have a mid 2007 Mk3 and I would like to use sheet metal screws or rivets to secure some door panels.

The assembly manual mentions securing the door pockets that come with the kit, but it’s a little vague.

Does the inside of the door have any sheet aluminum or steel, or is it all fiberglass? Are there any pictures on this site that can be used as a reference for the pre-glassed door?

If this has been answered before, please point me to the thread.

Thanks,
Steve

[edwardb]

I have a mid 2007 Mk3 and I would like to use sheet metal screws or rivets to secure some door panels.

The assembly manual mentions securing the door pockets that come with the kit, but it’s a little vague.

Does the inside of the door have any sheet aluminum or steel, or is it all fiberglass? Are there any pictures on this site that can be used as a reference for the pre-glassed door?

If this has been answered before, please point me to the thread.

Thanks,
Steve

Well, not Factory Five Tech, but can respond to your question if that's OK. Yes, the doors do have steel in them. There is a kind of trapezoid shaped frame from the door latch area to the hinge area. You can see it in these pictures of the bare frame:

https://www.factoryfive.com/galleries/mk4-roadster/mk4-roadster-chassis/

You may be able to track the exact location with something like a stud finder? Not sure why kind of door pockets you're planning to install. Properly sized, sheet metal screws threaded into only the fiberglass are very strong. I've put door panels on both of my builds with sheet metal screws along the top and bottom. As I recall, a couple of the top ones hit steel, the others didn't. Rock solid. Some guys only attach the door panels with velcro or adhesive of some kind.

[Steve1979]

I had seen this picture of the door frame before, but was hoping that there was a little more to it, like maybe having some sheet metal (aluminum or steel) molded into the inner door, like the trunk lid.

I am using Herb's door panel, but velcro isn't cutting it for keeping it in place.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[edwardb]

I had seen this picture of the door frame before, but was hoping that there was a little more to it, like maybe having some sheet metal (aluminum or steel) molded into the inner door, like the trunk lid.

I am using Herb's door panel, but velcro isn't cutting it for keeping it in place.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

OK. I wondered if you were talking about Herb's door panels. Here's the same panel on my just completed Mk4, that I referenced earlier. I used black automotive style sheet metal screws with the included finish washer. Standard Ace Hardware or similar item. One or both of the two top screws hit the metal frame. The lower ones are just in the glass. The door panel isn't going anywhere.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Final%20Assembly/th_IMG_2880_zpsf40344d0.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Final%20Assembly/IMG_2880_zpsf40344d0.jpg.html)

[DaleG]

Did the same as Edward on the MKII with Herb's panels; as I recall, all screws were into fiberglass only and no issues at all with holding. Go for it!

Cheers, Dale

[Steve1979]

Well it sounds like the inner door glass is strong enough to work with screws. But I am thinking about using snaps or a flush mounted hook on the top portion of the inside panel, something that would not be seen. I really don’t want to drill through my leather panels at this time.

Thanks guys.