Vertical Doors Inc: Transform Your Car into a Supercar

Technical Analysis: How does it actually work?

Contrary to popular belief, a "Lambo Doors" conversion doesn't transform your actual door. It only replaces the hinge.

The Hybrid Mechanism

The Vertical Doors Inc (VDI) system uses specific kinematics. On a real Lamborghini Aventador, the door only goes up. On your VDI kit, it's different:

1. Lateral Opening (10 to 15 degrees): The door opens normally first, like stock, but for a very short distance. This is enough to unlock the latch.
2. Vertical Lift (75 to 90 degrees): Once this pivot point is reached, you can lift the door towards the sky.

The Masterpiece: The Gas Shock

All the weight of the door (which is very heavy, especially on American coupes like the Challenger or Camaro) is supported by a high-pressure gas shock. This does the heavy lifting. Without it, lifting the door would be a workout session at every stop.

The "Specific" Design

This is VDI's great strength compared to universal Chinese kits on eBay. Each hinge is laser-cut from hardened steel for your specific model. The mounting holes correspond exactly to the factory hinge holes on your chassis. In theory, you unscrew the old one, and screw in the new one.

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The Pros: Why does everyone want this kit?

1. Reversibility (The Holy Grail)

This is the number one argument. If you sell your car or get bored, you can theoretically put the factory hinges back on. The VDI kit mounts to the manufacturer's anchor points. Unlike the "weld-on" kits of the 2000s that butchered the chassis, here, the basic structural integrity is preserved.

2. Material Quality

We are talking about American steel, thick and heavy. When you have the part in your hand, you feel that it's solid. It doesn't bend. For a part that has to support a 90 or 110 lb door suspended above your head, that's reassuring. The welds are generally clean and the paint finish (powder coating) resists corrosion well.

3. "Theoretical" Access in Tight Spaces

It is often sold as a practical advantage: "Park tighter!". It's true in a sense. Once the door is up, you don't have the lateral footprint of a large coupe door (which are often huge). If you are stuck between two cars, you can get out... provided you have the flexibility to extract yourself vertically.

4. Extensive Compatibility

VDI covers a mind-blowing catalog. From the Corvette C8 to the Toyota Supra MK5, including the Slingshot and even big trucks like the Ford F-150. If you have a sports car or a "statement" vehicle, they probably have the kit.

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The Limits and Drawbacks (What they don't tell you)

Here is the critical section. Read it carefully, because this is where your decision happens.

1. Metal-on-Metal Friction (The Achilles Heel)

This is a crucial technical point often raised by engineering experts. Many VDI kits use a pivot system without sealed ball bearings (unlike some high-end European competitors).

• The problem: Over time, metal-on-metal friction creates wear.
• The consequence: The door can develop play ("sagging"). It no longer aligns perfectly with the closing latch. You then have to lift the door slightly to close it, which damages paint and seals.

2. The Maintenance Nightmare

To compensate for this friction, you must grease the mechanism regularly.

• The constraint: On many models (like the Corvette or Camaro), the mechanism is hidden behind the front fender.
• The reality: For a simple greasing, you sometimes have to remove the wheel, the fender liner, or even the entire fender. Nobody does it as often as necessary, which accelerates the wear mentioned in point 1.

3. The "Passenger" and "Valet" Factor

This is the biggest daily stress.

• If you leave your car with a valet, a mechanic for an inspection, or if you take a passenger who doesn't know the system: DISASTER.
• The human reflex is to push the door outward. If they force the lateral opening beyond the intended 10-15 degrees, they can bend the fender, damage the hinge, or warp the door pillar. You will spend your life yelling: "WAIT! Let me open it for you!".

4. Sealing and Wind Noise

Even when well-adjusted, a door on a VDI hinge never has the absolute rigidity of a fixed welded/bolted factory hinge. At high speeds (highway), it is not uncommon to hear air whistling. If the adjustment shifts a little, water can infiltrate during high-pressure washes or heavy downpours.

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Installation: The True Hidden Cost

Don't rely on the kit price displayed on the site (often between $1,000 and $1,800). The real cost is much higher.

The mounting challenge

The term "Bolt-on" is misleading. Yes, it screws on. But to access the screws:

1. You often have to remove the front bumper.
2. You have to remove the front fenders.
3. You sometimes have to cut/roll the inner lip of the fender (rolled fender) because the lifting arm needs room to move. This is an irreversible modification to the fender (even if invisible from the outside).

The electrical work

The wires going from your car to your door (power windows, speakers, locks) are too short to allow the door to go up 90 degrees.

• You have to cut the factory harness.
• You have to extend every wire (soldering + heat shrink tubing).
• If done poorly: guaranteed repetitive electrical failures.

Labor time

A pro will take between 8 and 12 hours for a clean installation and, above all, for the perfect alignment of body panels. At $100 or $150 per hour, do the math. The installation often costs as much as the kit itself.

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Alternatives: What does the competition offer?

To be objective, we must compare VDI to what exists elsewhere.

1. LSD Doors (KW Automotive) - The German Alternative

If you are in Europe, this is the most serious competitor, but they are available in the US too.

• Pros: They are TÜV approved (very strict German certification). They often use more precise guided bearings. The mechanism often allows a wider lateral opening (up to 30 degrees) before having to lift, which makes "normal" access easier.
• Cons: Much more expensive than VDI (sometimes double). Fewer American models covered.

2. Eikon Motorsports - The Challenger

Eikon has communicated a lot about VDI's flaws (notably the lack of bearings). They offer kits with sealed bearings guaranteed for life.

• Pros: Superior mechanical design on paper (smoother movement, less wear).
• Cons: Newer brand, availability can vary.

3. Universal Kits (eBay/Amazon) - RUN AWAY

You will find some for $300. Do not touch them.

• They require welding (so destruction of your chassis).
• The steel is soft (the door will fall).
• The shocks fail in 3 months.
• It is dangerous. Period.

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Legal Context and Insurance (USA Edition)

Driving in the US? Here is what you need to know to stay street legal.

• State Inspections: While the US doesn't have a uniform "Contrôle Technique" like France, many states have safety inspections. The inspector checks the proper functioning of doors. The door must open, close, and latch securely (FMVSS 206 standards). If the mechanism has play, drags, or is hard to operate, you might fail inspection. If the mounting is clean and secure, it generally passes.
• DOT/NHTSA Standards: Technically, modifying door hinges touches on safety standards regarding occupant retention. However, unlike Europe, you don't typically need a specific "homologation" certificate for the part itself in most states, provided it maintains the safety integrity of the vehicle.
• Insurance: This is the critical point. In case of an accident, if the adjuster notes that the hinges are not stock and that this might have aggravated the damage (or prevented the extraction of an injured person), the insurer could complicate the claim.
  • Expert Advice: Declare the modification to your insurance provider. Add it under "Custom Parts and Equipment" (CPE) coverage. It might cost a few extra dollars a month, but you will be covered. Never drive without declaring such a major mod.

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Pricing and Money-Saving Tips

Let's talk global budget for an installation on a typical car (e.g., Ford Mustang or Camaro) in the US.

• VDI Kit Price: Approx $1,300 to $1,600.
• Shipping (Domestic US): Count on $50 to $150 (Ground shipping).
• Sales Tax: Add your state sales tax (e.g., ~7-10%).
• Pro Installation: $800 to $1,500.

Estimated Total Cost: Between $2,500 and $3,500 turnkey.

Tip to save money

Vertical Doors Inc regularly offers promo codes, especially during American holidays (Black Friday, 4th of July, Christmas).

• Tip: Look for "Ambassador" codes. Many American automotive YouTubers sponsored by VDI have permanent codes like "SINISTER" or variations.
• In December 2025, watch for seasonal codes directly on their site; they often offer free shipping or a direct discount of $100 to $200.

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