[DML] Re: Automatic opening gullwing doors

[Peter Lucas <lucas@xxxx>]

I would like to add my endorsement of Darryl's door-opener setup (and 
to thank Darryl for freely sharing it). I've only done one door so 
far, but it works great and its not really that hard--once you master 
the arcane skill of removing the lower door panel. Here are some 
comments:

--The actuator that Darryl specifies, while powerful, is quite 
compact and lightweight--just a few ounces, I'm guessing.
--The "special built plate" is just a spacer the shape of the 
actuator (which is flat). Not at all critical and, since it is not 
really structural, could be made of any convenient material.
--The hardest part is getting the extra wire from the door to your 
controller (which I located in the driver-side wiring compartment 
(above the locking cubby hole). There's a spare wire that gets you to 
the roof, but to use it you have to remove the T-roof and rear 
headliner.
--I *am* going to have to adjust my struts a bit. I don't think it is 
due to the added weight (which is minimal). Rather, although my 
current adjustment is just adequate to operate the door manually, it 
doesn't quite have the initial torque to reliably start the door 
opening in the absence of an outward nudge.
--I am controlling the opener with a Phoenix 2 car alarm by Avital 
(recommended to me by list member J.D. Robbins). Its perfect--has a 4 
button fob, just the right outputs, and completely compatible with 
the Delorean's systems--including central door locks. You can get it 
for around $150 at http://www.cartoys.com.
--One thing to consider is the safety of a system with the potential 
to open your doors at 60MPH. I worked up a little interlock 
(involving three tiny relays from Radio Shack) that will disable the 
openers unless (a) the doors are unlocked and (b) the car is in park 
(you manual guys could use "parking brake set"). If anyone would like 
the schematics for this, let me know.

--pete lucas
VIN 6703
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At 7:41 AM -0800 12/6/99, Murray Fisher wrote:
...

> However Darryl Tinnerset in Olympia has
> complete information on a "do it yourself" way to do this. I got this from
> him a couple years ago but it is just too much tedious work for ME to tackle
> at this stage. It requires opening the doors up and some delicate work both
> in adding the solenoid and the wiring. It requires a hefty solenoid
> preferably a motor driven geared type, as it has to pull a bunch of rods and
> cables to unlatch the door mechanically. It needs a special built plate to
> mount the solenoid in the correct spot too.
...