Body Split

[StromSpeed]

I have heard that some Challenge car owners are splitting the body at the doors, to create front/back sections. I assume this is for much better serviceability. But are there any other pros/cons in doing this? For those who have done it, are there any other mods needed to secure each section? Special coverups, fasteners, etc?
I'm building a Challenge car myself and this extra access down the road is going to really help, but I wanted to ask the pros here before I grab a saw. :eek:

[FFRSpec72]

Mine is split about mid point in door. Did not use the factory body mounts for side, added an extra mount across the lower part of body where it was split, use 4 button head bolts (4 mount points) on front half and 4 button head bolts (4 mount points) on back half of of body. Body is still somewhat of a pain to remove but it is handy, have to make sure all your wires (head light, tail light, trunk wires,etc) are quick connect and still takes 1.5 people to remove/replace either front or back of body. Maybe if I had it to do over I would do the split but make the front a flip top to have more access

[johngeorge]

I cut the body back in 2007 and am glad I did it. Used a 1/4" piece of aluminum that I tapped 2 holes in (one hole for back part of body, other hole for front part of body) and use that plate on the back side of the body to connect the pieces below the doors.

Make sure to secure the top of the body so it has no way to move back and pinch your fingers between the back of the steering wheel and the body.
http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/albums/readyfor08season/HPIM0295.sized.jpg
http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/albums/readyfor08season/HPIM0296.sized.jpg

body cut middle part of doors.
http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/albums/fiafterbeaverun07crash/P5265377.sized.jpg
http://www.johngeorgeracing.com/gallery/albums/fiafterbeaverun07crash/P5265378.sized.jpg

[mhoward1]

Mine is basically split at the same place as John's. It makes working on the vehicle 100% easier.

[Mark Dougherty]

yep
i split them right at the 1 1/2 tube behind the body

[StromSpeed]

Awesome, thanks everyone for the info!

[dallas_]

Would they allow a tilt front?

[mhoward1]

In the series a tilt front is not allow but there are a few out there with them.

[FFRSpec72]

Here is my split

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