Removeable door frame Mod w/ Pics

[scbronco]

so i decided i wanted to be able to remove the door frames on my bronco when the top is down, and i figured i better do the mod before i paint, so here it goes...

I made the cuts flush to the top of the door at the rear, and flush to the back of the vent window frame in the front...


Once i got it cut out, i cleaned up the cuts with a wire wheel, and cut out strips of sheet metal to make my mount tabs. i taked these on to the frame. the forward one utilizes the existeng vent window frame screw as one of the mount screws. each stap will attache with 2 short self tapping sheet metal screws.



after tacking on the mount tabs, i filled the hollow places at the cuts with Black silicone RTV.


here is the frame back in place after the work.


gotta pick up the screws this week to finish it completely. once i can screw it down in place, will use some more RTV to fill the gaps at the cuts and create a seal. the RTV will be adhered to the frame side, but i will put some vaseline on the door side so that it wont stick while it cures...

whatdya think?

[blazinchuck]

i think its an awesome idea!!!! can you repost with the large forum pic option from photobucket?

[scbronco]

those came from my phone, i had hoped they would be large but they werent, ill see if i can fix it...

[scbronco]

fixed it for ya chuck...

[blazinchuck]

now i can see what ya talking bout...looks cool

[broncosbybart]

Looks really good. I think that you might run into some issues down the road with sheet metal screws holding the upper frame though. The holes will probably wallow out. If you could make a backing plate and weld some 1/4" or 5/16 nuts to it and tack the assembly to the inside of the door, you would probably never have to worry about it. Otherwise, I would like to see how the sheet metal screws hold up to the task.

[SC74]

I've always wanted to do something like that. Good idea and looks like you did a good job doing it.

[744x4]

All you have to do is drill out the spotwelds at the door latch side and it makes it so much easier to remove as it slides into the Lower track to center itself.The windshield side still has to be done the same way though.Look @ the latch side of the door for the spotwelds.

[scbronco]

All you have to do is drill out the spotwelds at the door latch side and it makes it so much easier to remove as it slides into the Lower track to center itself.The windshield side still has to be done the same way though.Look @ the latch side of the door for the spotwelds.

I think i have an idea of what you mean, but i have already made the cuts at the base of the window frame. looks like i am gonna have to stick with this method now. I have made a design change in the mounting though. i am going to fab up a track to go on the striker end of the frame that the tabs will slide into. then i can fab all of it so that i can use nuts and bolts to fasten that end. im sure that sounds confusing now that im reading it myself, but ill just have to post pics later once its done...