Function

The dividing of the door into two different parts/materials promises a number of advantages. Above all, the possibility of easily reaching the many components that make up the door. All electric connections remain in place, nothing must be prised or levered out. All the functions can be checked because nothing in the electrical system has to be dismantled.

How it works

The outside metal sheet is glued onto an assembly frame and this is screwed onto the frame on the inside- and window part of the door. Now when problems arise in electrical parts in the door, the mechanic has access from the outside. This takes the more and more complicated interior lining of the doors into account. On the one hand no screws may be visible in the lining, on the other hand the load-carrying capacity of the storage compartments (e.g., for 1.5-litre bottles) has been increased. Ultimately, only the fastening with clips could be considered, which were deliberately destroyed during the dismantling and then renewed. A stock- intensive, and also unreasonable solution, because it can only function free from problems, in workshops authorised by the manufacturer.

For a long time it was also obvious that the demands made on the exterior shell of the doors are different than those made on their frame. This can now be produced, e.g., from very thinly rolled special steel, while inside, reinforced sheet metal provides the necessary stability and the compulsory accident protection. For sheet metal fitters any work on the doors, apart from dismantling them, was always wrought with difficulty. The bracing and cross beams were always in the way. Indeed, strengthening has now increased rather than decreased.

Incidentally, exchanging the door outer panel is not all that simple. The metal sheet is delivered without sub frame and must be glued, using countless spacers, onto the vehicle. The best bet would probably be, to remove it again and only then send it to the paint shop. 08/08

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