Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

So we are beginning to work on some door cards for the FD. We are looking to offer two versions.

Street- Mostly flat door panel, cut out for door lever, raised portion to allow speaker, and will conform to meet back with the dash (when door is closed)
Race- Completely flat

Right now we are in the testing phase and figuring out dimensions/mounting points etc. some pics..




Prototype 1 doneee! (minus weather stripping)



Prototype #2 (Fiberglass) almost done, making some final tweaks.

Things we want to revise:
Trimming around window edge to contour better
Add window stripping
Increase radius of bend (looks too sharp)
Trim panel (made one section too large and rubs a little bit)





Driver side mock up


And some some test panels



We are currently prepping for the mould and hope to have thes available before Christmas time

Murphey

iTrader: (1)

have you looked into a way to use another style of door open latch to get rid of the sizable stock one?

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

I have to ask, who is this 'we' you continually refer to ?

Btw, you had one broken picture link that I fixed for ya (driver side mock up).

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

We thought about it but didn't think it was cost efficient. It would also require a lot more modification because the cables will need to be extended, brackets will need to be made, and cost of door latches etc etc etc.

They are a big bulky but they still work well and it is easy to open with these style laytches

Me, myself and I. I refer "we" as Bubble Tech...

Thank you

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

I wonder if a Miata door handle would be easier. They are nice amd flat and might hook up similarly.

turbodrx7

iTrader: (43)

Good idea, anxious to see the final product. Ive thought about making these a few times. What kinda price do you have in mind for them?

-Austin

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

price will be determined once we have completed a final piece. we dont want o misquote! the PAIR will definitely cost less then ONE of seibon's door panels!!

maddashin

Sweet any fc's

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

Sorry no FC's at this time. But if there is enough interest we dont mind doing it =) of course we will have to find a donor car too

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

.heh..you just need the Door..lol!

Battle Cat

iTrader: (78)

I am in, take my f-ing money!!!!!!!

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Atomic Rex actually made a nice set. But how would you get them? I'd rather buy from someone you can get ahold of.

vrx8

iTrader: (18)

Can't wait for this. Now days people want an arm and a leg for interior plastics which are garbage any ways. Have to brief people before getting into the car is getting old lol

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

I am by all means not the first. Many Japanese companies make their own for their TA cars.. Never seen any offer to public though...

Did they really? I never knew that... I'll check em out.

And you are correct, being that I am in NJ is a lot easier then dealing with parts from other countries!

haha, yes my interior is beat to crap, thought I'd freshen it up and offer it in case people want it as well

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

So the Plug for the door panel is now done! However we ran out of more supplies (we had some paint go bad) womp womp. now another delay, and having to wait for another shipment to arrive.... BUT we have more details/pricing!

These prices are not set, but are the targeted prices. Our Intro pricing (for the pair):
Fiberglass- $450
Carbon Fiber overlay- $600
Full Carbon Fiber- $750

Full plug and play. All necessary hardware will be included, along with door pull strap (Availible in various colors) Parts will be made to order, and can take up to two weeks before shipment. All parts are made in house by resin infusion. This insures the proper Glass/CF to resin ratio, for weight and strength. The carbon fiber will come in 2x2 twill only. Shipping will be $25 anywhere in the US.

teaser pic of the plug

JhnRx7

iTrader: (12)

Maybe I missed it, but how do you roll down the windows or adjust mirrors? I don't see any provisions for either.

Murphey

iTrader: (1)

Come up with a flat door handle like the suggested miata one and I'm in.

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

Nope, you didnt miss it lol, We havent decided on placement yet but it will be there!

I'm sorry that probably will not happen. I was having a hard time sourcing new door handles and I couldnt even find any. And selling used door handle off miata's is not an option.

Also for the miata style door levers for them to feel comfortable to open the would have to be placed higher and more forward, which is a huge modification as the door cables would have to get extended. Then it becomes a huge mechanism project when the main focus was a door panel.

believe me we looked into it, but its over complicating a simple product

gofastgtr

iTrader: (60)

It's killing me that I have to wait for these.......


Take my money now bubbles!!!!

Bubble Tech

iTrader: (4)

Hahah the delays are killing me!! I wanted the mold done this week! supplies come Christmas eve =(

So now im just working on the engine cover until then haha

robzter

i would like the latch with a little porsche design. like you pull the little flap that is there right now to open. and anotherone to close.

Wompa164

iTrader: (4)

I am so excited for these, please keep up the work!

funnyscreenname

iTrader: (7)

i really like these as well. did you ever figure out what to do about the door handle?

shawnm565

iTrader: (3)

What about mounting the door handle inside? but side ways?

muibubbles

iTrader: (36)

Thanks!

The door handle will remain a pull strap. as far as door handle lever, it will be mounted over the door panel itself

Not sure what you mean... can you elaborate? (for curiosity since the design is finalized)

As for the Porsche door handle style- yes that would be cool but not what we are going for. The point of these panels are to save weight, add more room (for bucket seats) and most of all simplify things. Yes we could have designs the door handles differently, or switch them out to something more basic like the miata style handles- but in the end it is would just over complicate things and drive the cost up. ex. new cables would have to be made to move the passenger side handle, no idea where to source miata door handles and have them constantly in stock, etc.

If anyone is interested, there will be an option to purchase the panels uncut so you can adapt/modify them to your liking


Buttt on a side note, here is an update...

We have finalized the design and all the jigs and molds are made. We are sourcing the last bits of hardware and boxes (to ship them in) We should be ready to release these for sale very shortly. ONCE THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE, WE WILL OPEN UP A GROUP BUY IN THE 3RD GEN SECTION TO COMPLY WITH FORUM RULES. Please do not ask to purchase these until we go through the forum and set up the group buy properly

Meow to get everyone up to date..

Stock door panels 4 lbs 12.8 oz


Bubble Tech Fiberglass door panels 1 lbs 13.6 oz


Various pull strap color options


As of today...




Oh yes we did add a little weatherstrip molding as a final touch =)