Getting into MX5 and trying to close the door leaves you with a strange feeling, something is ... not really right. I guess if you are taller than average there is more than average chance to feel it hitting your leg.
First thing is to remove the door pull, second - to put some stripe there. I believe everybody has done this so far:).
Well, for track dedicated car a "stripe" mod could do, but I wanted to daily drive it and trip across Europe and ... started this project.
The requirements list (Die Anforderungsliste;)):
- Material - thick and genuine leather to match rest interior, all black with exact cut.
- Ensuring functionality - the original door pull holds the door trim to the door.
- Offset from door trim (easy pull catch, no trim scratches)
- Tight fit
- Wear-resistant
- Universal for both sides
- Better feel than original
- Better look than original
The door package was simulated in 3D program. The design options converged with the technical solutions and after the obligatory comparison matrix for all the options, a design was nominated to continue.
Water proof and not stretchable leather was found for the purpose (convertible gets wet). It is 5mm black leather.
First draft was with laser engraving:
One first draft:
The actual design implements embeded "Roadster" writing to the leather. Elegant design element, presented in a decent way, that will match every interior.
The holes for the screws are secured with special rust resistant eyelets.
The screw heads (original ones should be reused) are hidden with supplied black head caps.
This is very succesful end product, that expands the drivers leg room enorm, but also perfectly integrates in to the car leather interior and gives decent and fresh touch to it.
