What the install involves

Every kit we sell bolts to the car's factory hinge points. On a lot of cars that is not the whole job. Going by VDI's own install notes for each part number, 57 of our 181 kits also need the hidden part of the fender trimmed, 16 need new holes drilled and tapped, and a few need the door lip trimmed or the fenders taken off. The other 101 list no extra body work.

When buyers ask about labor, our answer is 8 to 10 hours for an average install.

The list for your exact car is in the fitment table, next to the years each kit fits.

Bolt-on means it uses the factory hinge points

It does not mean nothing gets cut. VDI's notes say it plainly: bolt-on describes how the hinge mounts, and the install can still need trimming, wiring clearance and careful alignment. VDI also says that on some cars the mounting surface needs grinding or minor trimming before the hinge sits right.

Door alignment and A-pillar clearance

The door only clears the A-pillar and fender as designed when it hangs where the factory had it. VDI's notes ask installers to mark the factory door position before the old hinges come off, and to finish with a careful final alignment.

Tell VDI before you order if the car has aftermarket fenders, a widebody kit, past collision repair or other work near the hinge. Those change the clearance the kit was made for.

The gas shocks

Each kit comes with two gas shocks that hold the doors up. VDI warrants the steel hinges for life. The shocks are covered for 6 months, and replacements come from VDI.

Who should do it

Each kit ships with VDI's instruction manual, and VDI gives free tech support. We still recommend a professional installer working from those instructions. VDI's own advice is to use a body or customization shop if you have not done door alignment, panel removal, trimming or drilling and tapping before.

Independent shops that install these kits are listed by state.

Not sure what your car needs? Email sales@verticallambodoors.com with the year, model and body style.