Driving with doors up

[kobachi]

Sometimes when I'm in standstill traffic and the sun is out, I open the drivers door for some fresh, cool air. I close the door if I get rolling at any real speed (ie any faster than just slightly releasing the clutch to advance 30 feet). I've also seen photos and videos from parades with 12 DeLoreans driving with wings set in attack formation.

So...up to what speed is it safe to drive with the doors up? And what's the word on wind? Seems like it would be a bad idea to have them up at all in the wind, but I don't actually know how strong those hinges are.

[Michael]

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5369-Driving-with-the-Doors-Open&highlight=driving+doors

[kobachi]

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5369-Driving-with-the-Doors-Open&highlight=driving+doors

Thanks, I searched but wasn't able to find this previous thread. It doesn't really address my questions though...it seems to be more about legality than stress on the car.

[thirdmanj]

Thanks, I searched but wasn't able to find this previous thread. It doesn't really address my questions though...it seems to be more about legality than stress on the car.

The way our laws our written, I'm sure they could find a legitimate reason to cite you. But, that being said, who in this community has ever been cited for this? I've never heard of it.

[kobachi]

The way our laws our written, I'm sure they could find a legitimate reason to cite you. But, that being said, who in this community has ever been cited for this? I've never heard of it.

Yeah and I'm not concerned with the legality right now, just don't want to damage my hinges etc.

[thirdmanj]

Yeah and I'm not concerned with the legality right now, just don't want to damage my hinges etc.

Oh, duh. I misread that. Well, at the speeds you describe "parade speed" it shouldn't really be a problem. Not doing it at all is of course preferable. Also bear in mind that the stock brackets are not the most robust. Doing this with either DPIs upgrades or Henninger's would be best.

[Bitsyncmaster]

It's more in the bumps of the road that would put stress on the roof and doors. I don't open them on the roads unless it's a parade I'm in. At car shows and tech sessions it's very common to see cars moved with the doors open.

[DMCVegas]

It's more in the bumps of the road that would put stress on the roof and doors.

I'm not just going to second that, I can attest that it can cause damage. Never had a problem until once while in a hurry I left the door open after dialing an intercom and hit a bump in the dark that I did not see. Ever since that night there has been a slight creak in the door whenever it bounces or gets pushed up too high. I probably damaged the gas strut support, and it's on my list of things to fix.

So yes, I would advise that unless it's at low speeds on a smooth street, do NOT to drive with the doors open.

[NightFlyer]

Here's Steve Rice and I in my car, with the stock/OEM door struts that came on the car from Dunmurry back in '81.

I also cruised the entire length of the 28th St. Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids with the doors open, reaching speeds of up to 40mph, and it didn't cause any problems.

Anything faster than 40mph, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with. And yes, a smooth surface is mandatory.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ddxVpcWoao

[SS Spoiler]

If one made a way to prevent the door from bouncing when fully open I think it would eliminate any stress. A strong
cord or even a stiff metal bar that would hold the door 2 or 3 inches short of full travel could do it. What do you think?

[WelmoedJ]

If one made a way to prevent the door from bouncing when fully open I think it would eliminate any stress. A strong
cord or even a stiff metal bar that would hold the door 2 or 3 inches short of full travel could do it. What do you think?

Only a fixed position (bar or alike) would prevent bouncing.
A cord would not prevent bouncing as it still allows the door to go down, slacken the cord then bounce up to the cord's maximum reach.