Lightweight interior door panels

M-Cast · 12-24-2018, 09:19 AM

New Project, I have an extra set of interior door panels, and I am going to use them to make a set of carbon fiber door panels similar to the pic attached. They will have pull straps to open and close the door and the armrest for window switches.

If anyone is interested and I will ask my local carbon guy to use them to create a mold for vacuum bagging.

MOEDARE · 12-24-2018, 10:14 AM

Interested

Michael9218 · 12-24-2018, 10:53 AM

Sounds like a cool project. Too late for me to use door panels...

Vanne · 12-24-2018, 11:42 AM

Yeah , put me down for a set depending on what they look like. I was about to pull mine, and have got some prices for CF flat panels with an upper arm rest lip, but depending on what this will look like, cost, definitely interested.

Azeka1 · 12-24-2018, 07:24 PM

Very interested! Was about to buy a scrap set of panels to do the exact same thing. Please keep us posted.

AriuSen · 12-26-2018, 12:07 AM

Count me in! The problem is if it's the same shape as OEM, my seats might not clear.
But.im in regardless!

Vanne · 12-26-2018, 12:44 AM

any idea on the price point of these skins? ballpark? 500? 1000? Ive been pricing CF panels and it aint cheap...

M-Cast · 12-26-2018, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

any idea on the price point of these skins? ballpark? 500? 1000? Ive been pricing CF panels and it aint cheap...

This weekend I was able to tear a door down to the plastic. The goal is to make a plug out of the first one so we can vacuum bag it. Once the mold is ready then it should not be to hard to replicate. I am trying to do as much of the work as possible for the mold then we can keep the cost in line. I would think we could get it to about $750 to $800 for the set maybe less if you buy the door handles. Hard Motorsports carries most of the components.

Vanne · 12-26-2018, 06:24 AM

Thanks man, really interested what you come up with. Ive also been doing a few design sketches of the doors.. I really hope this turns out nice man.

Vanne · 12-27-2018, 04:11 AM

Was just thinking out loud today.. can we get these done without holes for speakers or airbags, easy enough to cut them out later if you want them. I'd also love it without the door open closer cutout. Anyways, just thinking out loud and ofcourse they are just ideas.. really keen on what you have in mind?

M-Cast · 12-27-2018, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

Was just thinking out loud today.. can we get these done without holes for speakers or airbags, easy enough to cut them out later if you want them. I'd also love it without the door open closer cutout. Anyways, just thinking out loud and ofcourse they are just ideas.. really keen on what you have in mind?

I was planning on going that way. The speakers only add weight. I am covering both those a and the storage slot below. Keeping a spot for the window controllers and pull straps to open and close the doors.

Azeka1 · 12-27-2018, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Cast

I was planning on going that way. The speakers only add weight. I am covering both those a and the storage slot below. Keeping a spot for the window controllers and pull straps to open and close the doors.

Sounds really good so far! Are you thinking to shave down or remove the arm rest? Maybe it is just me and I keep my seat mounted to far up but my left arm is somewhat restricted due to it.

AriuSen · 12-27-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azeka1

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Cast

I was planning on going that way. The speakers only add weight. I am covering both those a and the storage slot below. Keeping a spot for the window controllers and pull straps to open and close the doors.

Sounds really good so far! Are you thinking to shave down or remove the arm rest? Maybe it is just me and I keep my seat mounted to far up but my left arm is somewhat restricted due to it.

Agree. And I'm not tall lol

Frank851 · 12-27-2018, 12:59 PM

Greet idea, mark me down as interested.

Vanne · 12-27-2018, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azeka1

Sounds really good so far! Are you thinking to shave down or remove the arm rest? Maybe it is just me and I keep my seat mounted to far up but my left arm is somewhat restricted due to it.

I guess thats what happens when you and Alex mount your lounge chairs into your race car.

pcube · 12-27-2018, 11:53 PM

How much weight savings are expected with this mod? I just removed my door panels to work on some wiring and they are not heavy at all. Also, the door panels are secured using metal clips on the top row which are very tight. Not sure CF will hold up that well and may crack the next time it's pried open during removal.

M-Cast · 12-30-2018, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcube

How much weight savings are expected with this mod? I just removed my door panels to work on some wiring and they are not heavy at all. Also, the door panels are secured using metal clips on the top row which are very tight. Not sure CF will hold up that well and may crack the next time it's pried open during removal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcube

How much weight savings are expected with this mod? I just removed my door panels to work on some wiring and they are not heavy at all. Also, the door panels are secured using metal clips on the top row which are very tight. Not sure CF will hold up that well and may crack the next time it's pried open during removal.

Met with my fabricator and he suggested we make the mold and try a lightweight plastic first to maintain stiff structure. Deleting the speakers and sound deadening will drop about 6 to 8 lbs per door.

M-Cast · 12-30-2018, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azeka1

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-Cast

I was planning on going that way. The speakers only add weight. I am covering both those a and the storage slot below. Keeping a spot for the window controllers and pull straps to open and close the doors.

Sounds really good so far! Are you thinking to shave down or remove the arm rest? Maybe it is just me and I keep my seat mounted to far up but my left arm is somewhat restricted due to it.

You have to maintain it if you keep the window controls, but we are trying to cut as much down as possible.

Vanne · 12-30-2018, 08:32 AM

Is it possible to mount the window controls elsewhere on the door? For example in the hollow behind where the speaker would have been? Again, just brain storming some ideas..

p1nk50ck · 12-31-2018, 03:09 AM

Interested!

Vanne · 01-07-2019, 11:29 PM

any further developments?

M-Cast · 01-08-2019, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

any further developments?

I dropped everything off with my guys to start on the molds. I should hear something within the next week with the first concept

12-24-2018, 09:19 AM	#1
M-Cast Lieutenant 708 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Atlanta GA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 E86 Coupe [0.00] 2006 Z4 3.0si Coupe [6.00] 2002 330 CI [0.00] 2018 BMW 240M [0.00] 2007 M Coupe [10.00]	Lightweight interior door panels New Project, I have an extra set of interior door panels, and I am going to use them to make a set of carbon fiber door panels similar to the pic attached. They will have pull straps to open and close the door and the armrest for window switches. If anyone is interested and I will ask my local carbon guy to use them to create a mold for vacuum bagging. Attached Images
	Appreciate 3 MOEDARE140.00 Azeka1285.50 Vanne1620.50 Tweet Quote

12-24-2018, 10:14 AM	#2
MOEDARE Enlisted Member 140 Rep 49 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Europe, Sweden. iTrader: (0)	Interested
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12-24-2018, 10:53 AM	#3
Michael9218 Lieutenant 595 Rep 484 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Woodstock, GA iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a cool project. Too late for me to use door panels...
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12-24-2018, 11:42 AM	#4
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Yeah , put me down for a set depending on what they look like. I was about to pull mine, and have got some prices for CF flat panels with an upper arm rest lip, but depending on what this will look like, cost, definitely interested.
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12-24-2018, 07:24 PM	#5
Azeka1 Lieutenant 286 Rep 431 Posts Drives: E86 M Coupe Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00] 1995 BMW M3 IP Race ... [0.00] 2006 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.00]	Very interested! Was about to buy a scrap set of panels to do the exact same thing. Please keep us posted. __________________ 1995 E36 M3 \| BMW CCA Club Racer - IP #34 \| Gray / Blue / Orange \| 261WHP \| 2,700lbs 2013 E92 M3 Competition 6MT Slick Top \| AW / Fox Red \| 2006 E86 M Coupe \| Silver Gray / Imola \| JRZ RSTWO \| APR Aero \| Sparco Seats/Belts \| Weichers Cage Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 \| 2011 E93 328i 6MT \| 2014 Audi A6 \| 2010 VW CC 2.0T \| 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT \| 2004 G35 Coupe \| SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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12-26-2018, 12:07 AM	#6
AriuSen Lieutenant Colonel 777 Rep 1,923 Posts Drives: Z4M Coupe Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (9)	Count me in! The problem is if it's the same shape as OEM, my seats might not clear. But.im in regardless! __________________ Instagram: ariusen26 Youtube: Track vids
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12-26-2018, 12:44 AM	#7
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	any idea on the price point of these skins? ballpark? 500? 1000? Ive been pricing CF panels and it aint cheap... __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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12-26-2018, 06:24 AM	#9
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Thanks man, really interested what you come up with. Ive also been doing a few design sketches of the doors.. I really hope this turns out nice man. __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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12-27-2018, 04:11 AM	#10
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Was just thinking out loud today.. can we get these done without holes for speakers or airbags, easy enough to cut them out later if you want them. I'd also love it without the door open closer cutout. Anyways, just thinking out loud and ofcourse they are just ideas.. really keen on what you have in mind?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-27-2018, 12:59 PM	#14
Frank851 Admiral 240 Rep 314 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '19 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	Greet idea, mark me down as interested.
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12-27-2018, 11:53 PM	#16
pcube Private First Class 58 Rep 199 Posts Drives: Z4MC, G20 320i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0)	How much weight savings are expected with this mod? I just removed my door panels to work on some wiring and they are not heavy at all. Also, the door panels are secured using metal clips on the top row which are very tight. Not sure CF will hold up that well and may crack the next time it's pried open during removal.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2018, 08:32 AM	#19
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Is it possible to mount the window controls elsewhere on the door? For example in the hollow behind where the speaker would have been? Again, just brain storming some ideas..
	Appreciate 1 Azeka1285.50 Quote

12-31-2018, 03:09 AM	#20
p1nk50ck HNIC 31 Rep 177 Posts Drives: Z4M Coupe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (0)	Interested!
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01-07-2019, 11:29 PM	#21
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	any further developments? __________________ 2007 EuroSpec Z4///MC - Building/Developing Z4 GT3 Powered by
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