Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Topic: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300 (Read 551 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

October 31, 2014, 11:37:15 am

K have a question, On my u300 I have a engine door that open to the passinger side. Has anyone changed theirs to open up like the newer models. I like the idea of it being out of the way so if you have done this modification would you mind sharing. Thanks Andy

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #1 – October 31, 2014, 02:50:23 pm

Andy,

I looked at the '95 in Quartzsite last year not only in admiration but also as to the feasibility of retrofitting it to our earlier models. I think you would have to find a donor salvage rig and remove not only the door but several inches of surrounding Fiberglas. Different taillights would be needed to match the '95 (plus glasswork around the old taillights). A good boat or surfboard glass repair person could do it to match the rest but would not be a quick retrofit. The front would be much easier as the existing area could just be modified to be able to be removed in one piece. Again, a good glass worker could do it pretty quickly but a lot of planning would have to be done by the average owner for it to look good.

Pierce

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #2 – October 31, 2014, 03:00:26 pm

Pierce I really don't want to redo the fiberglass I just want to rehinge the door. I guess I will have to look and see if there is enough room to add struts to hold it up.

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #3 – October 31, 2014, 03:06:49 pm

Andy,

Bill Chaplin has the pantographic doors and the small fuel filler door retrofitted on his U300. No rear hatch changes but I've seen the other ones and they are great. Maybe he could post some pics so we could all see.

Jerry

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #4 – October 31, 2014, 08:18:13 pm

I should have mentioned that my rear engine hatch is metal with a lock on the drivers side. I would like to put gas struts and re-hinge it.

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #5 – October 31, 2014, 08:43:05 pm

Got it now Andy. My mistake thinking you wanted to hug your engine.

The door is pretty substantial so a piano hinge at the top and a couple of struts could make for a nice upward folding door. Bus type would be only slightly harder with four arms plus the struts. Perhaps another lock added to the opposite side.

Actually, the body could be cut underneath the wrap around metal trim, a metal strip glassed to match the body curve and the rear section removed for access. Only thing that would show would be a line where the engine door closes and not much could be seen from the outside. Not for everyday use but would make a lot of items easier to get to.

Pierce

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #6 – October 31, 2014, 08:58:27 pm

Thanks Pierce never thought about that It would make working back there a little easier. I just don't like that door swinging out like that.

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #7 – October 31, 2014, 11:22:25 pm

Quote from: Andy 2 – October 31, 2014, 08:58:27 pm

... I just don't like that door swinging out like that.

Every had to open it in the wind? You really won't like then. I'm no fan of it either, it's just pretty low on my list.

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Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

October 31, 2014, 11:37:15 am

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #1 – October 31, 2014, 02:50:23 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #2 – October 31, 2014, 03:00:26 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #3 – October 31, 2014, 03:06:49 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #4 – October 31, 2014, 08:18:13 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #5 – October 31, 2014, 08:43:05 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #6 – October 31, 2014, 08:58:27 pm

Re: Engine Hatch on early U 280 and U300

Reply #7 – October 31, 2014, 11:22:25 pm

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