Side intrusion bars

[Outwest34au]

My door bars were quite 1970 standard and didn't inspire a lot of confidence in me in the possibility of a prang. I added 2 x 5/16 flat to them and the engineer was happy enough with my description of the work and style used. The striker plates are bolted through to some 1/2 inch metal and then a leg extends off that block through to the chassis. The weakest link is the bolts holding the striker plate and lock assembly, but that is deemed acceptable it seems.

No doubt my effort isn't as pretty or strong as what others have achieved but it gives me more peace of mind.

[PeterAllen]

Originally Posted by Outwest34au

... then a leg extends off that block through to the chassis...

That sound something like what I want but I just can't figure out exactly what you mean. Could you post some more photos that illustrate the setup. Thanks.

Here is what I have at the moment. I have cut out the inner panel and will replace it with with a sheet of aluminiun with a few rolled ribs. I've made some inner spreader plates for the door hinges and that's about it, so far.

[Zedn]

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

That sound something like what I want but I just can't figure out exactly what you mean. Could you post some more photos that illustrate the setup. Thanks.

Here is what I have at the moment. I have cut out the inner panel and will replace it with with a sheet of aluminiun with a few rolled ribs. I've made some inner spreader plates for the door hinges and that's about it, so far.

What about replacing those spreader plates with a piece of 5mm x 50mm flat bar extending across both hinges. Bend the 5mm bar to follow the contour of the door, then butt weld 2 pieces of 32mm x 4mm steel tube running as the intrusion bars. Add a gusset welded at 90deg to the 5mm flat bar to brace the butt joint. Then do similar on the other end for the latch to attach to. (just an opinion, no responsibility taken!)

John Wilson recommends 32x4 tube on his website:
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Does it use the datsun frame for the hinges and striker plate to mount to?

[PeterAllen]

Thanks for the input.

I would be concerned that in joining the two hinge spreader plates I would limit the ability to align the door properly.

If I read John Wilson's comments correctly the requirements are that an intrusion bay should NOT engage the pillars/jamb as it may inhibit the function of the hinges and the latch?

Originally Posted by Zedn

...Does it use the datsun frame for the hinges and striker plate to mount to?

Yes.

[Outwest34au]

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

That sound something like what I want but I just can't figure out exactly what you mean. Could you post some more photos that illustrate the setup. Thanks.

Sorry for the dodgy pics, just saw your message and didn't have time (feel like) pulling the seats out in the cold and dark.
I hope they explain it a bit better for you than I could in words.





I still have to see how the engineer wants part A connected to part B. I have my ideas, he may have different.