D&R Coupe - just now building it

[Neils88]

I agree with you about using the parts you have on hand...these are costly projects otherwise.  However, 01Lambiero's comment about connecting the latch to your door frame is very valid and may save you serious aggravation later.  The fiberglass could give way during normal door usage...at best causing closing problems...at worst, serious safety issues.  It may seem like a lot of extra work, but realistically, connecting the latch to the door frame now is relatively simple and quick. 

[RT]

Coop...
You have the right attitude.
Build it the way you want.  Use what you have and make it functional.
Just remember you are on a Lamborghini site and most of us are really "into it".
Lambo is king!  At least that is the way I started my project.  After spending crazy money, I began to wonder why.  After all I am building a custom street rod that LOOKS like a Lamborghini.  Not a Lamborghini.
You are building a "test bed" car that will demonstrate the fumes engine.  Go for it!
We will still be with you because of the enthusiasm you exhibit.  We are all car-guys.  You are welcome here.
Comments made are just trying to help with no criticism.
RT

[sisqocracker]

I can appreciate that.  I really do.  But... ;-)
Something that I've been saying from the beginning of the build is that I'm using what I've got, what came with the D&R kit, and that my car is functional first and pretty second.  There are all sorts of upgrades I suspect I will swap out over time in an effort to make it more OEM like, but I was never going to go through the extra expense up front to do it once.  This car really is going to be a mule for the various methods of fumes as its primary purpose in life.  I'll make it more OEM like where I can as I go along that isn't having me bin existing components that I already have.  I suspect this car will always be my project car forever.  I'm sure I'll get things and have weekend projects where I'll upgrade something or swap something out, but I want it on the road soonest that I can.  So I'm using my vast pile of parts that will go into the initial build and see where the dust settles after that.  I just lucked out getting into the Murci wheels and suspension/brake setup from Tom.  So I did that.  But I know I can get into lil part hell with every little thing if I want to.  I'm already feeling like I'm a year behind.

Excuse the rant.  Just wanted folks to know that I truly do appreciate the advice.  I'd like to be able to help others out where I could as well.  I'm working on the plan and then coming back for lots of little stuff over the coming years.  I think in either case it'll take the same amount of time, I'll just be driving it already and still making upgrades where I can.

Thanks,
Coop

[01Lambiero]

Hey Coop.  Coming along fine.  My $.02 on the inner door construction:  Use the Mercedes latches for an OEM look.  Reinforce the latch inside of the door inner and weld it to the inner door frame.  This will make the latch strong enough to handle the force of shutting the door better than the fiberglass.
01

[sisqocracker]

Newest update.  Has the door window and regulator.  Most of it anyway.  Enjoy!

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-18-more-on-doors.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

No.  :-)

I do plan on making a lap of America in it if I can get it funded.  If that goes well, I'll see about making a lap of Europe the following year. 

Thanks,
Coop

[FlankerG]

Are you planning on racing it?

[autopro]

Great seeing the videos of you and Adrian!

[AdrianBurton]

This car is going to be insane when it is fully tuned..... Carlisle here he comes

[sisqocracker]

I just remembered this update to the blog post about the door latch.  I had a few stills in there that I had left out.  Adding them now.

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-10-diablo-door-latch.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

Hey y'all, Adrian came by today!   

Here's what happened when I tried to give him a ride in the Diablo....  sigh.  Too much screwing around again.  :-)  But it is getting there.

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-12-got-visit-and-almost-ride.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

I now have my passenger door latch installed.  I made a lengthy video explaining the latch install and the plan for how to assemble the rest of the components inside the door.

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-10-diablo-door-latch.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

Finished up the marker light install.  Cool pics with doors up.  Ok.  I cheated.  There are jack stands holding them up.  ;-)

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-8-marker-lights-are-done.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

Here's my heater update that I had skipped.  So now I have two posts back to back, so look down one if you missed the marker light one.

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-5-set-that-temp.html

Thanks,
Coop

[sisqocracker]

I've got a new update on marker light install.  I see I've missed an update here too.  I do have my controller working properly on the heater.  I'll have to post that one up.  That was a couple of days ago.  I really need my seat back in this car so I can test drive it with the heater control operating now.  One step closer to getting a tag for the car!  :-D

Here's today's update for the marker lights install.  First part of it anyway.

http://100mpgmotors.blogspot.com/2017/03/mar-7-them-marker-lights-tho.html

Thanks,
Coop