71′ Nova Door Weight Savings
Last night I got started working on removing a bit of weight from the doors on the Nova and found there is quite a bit of savings there.
Window and door handle hardware, window regulator and misc. hardware totaled 6.4 lbs. Door glass weighed 10.8 lbs and the vent window 4.31 lbs. I'm estimating the lexan to weigh in approximately 1/2 of the weight of the glass, which should yield a savings somewhere around 15 lbs per door, a total of around 30 lbs savings.
I'm going to be setting it up like a 1973 Nova that doesn't have vent windows to get that extra ~ 4 lbs of weight. Sure, I'll miss the vent windows as they are real nice to let some air in the cockpit when you're on the return road, but even more interested in getting that 8 lbs out. For door handles, I'm going to make some aluminum handles like what the guys with fiberglass doors use at the top of the door. They will save a little weight, and make it easier to get the door open with all those door bars in the way.
I'll also be doing some work to the doors as well, and I'd bet I can get at least 2-4 lbs there, so I'm hoping we'll end up saving around 40 lbs when it's all said and done.