Vertical Doors Inc. Installation Instructions

Kit Includes:

• 16 M8-1.25X30MM BOLTS WITH WASHERS
• 2 SHOULDER BOLTS WITH WASHERS
• 2 PINS

Tools Required for Installation:

• AIR RATCHET, GRINDER AND CUTTER.
• CLAMP
• 7MM, 8MM, 10MM, 11MM, 13MM, SOCKETS AND EXTENSION.
• FORK AND PHILLIP'S SCREWDRIVERS
• SPACERS FOR THE DOOR GAP.
• 3/16 ALLEN WRENCH
• 1/4 TORX BIT, US DRILL 17 OR METRIC 6.70MM
• 9/16 WRENCH
• LOCKTITE RED

(Note: The pictures on the manual are for reference only; they may not match your vehicle.)

Installation Steps:

1. Disconnect and remove the battery and battery tray. Remove (1) 13 mm bolt for the battery. Remove (5) 10 mm bolts for the battery tray (3 on the right side and 2 on the back).
2. Open door completely and remove the door catch attached to the inner frame and the door.
3. Remove the hood by removing (3) 13mm bolts on each side.
4. Remove (2) "L" shaped clamps from each headlight. One clamp is in the horizontal position and the other is in the vertical position; this will release the headlights. Note: do not disconnect the headlights. Let the headlights fall forward and use Blue Painter's tape to protect the bumper and to take pressure off the headlight's electrical harness.
5. Disconnect the Fuse box. There are (4) 10mm bolts securing the fuse box to the fender (2 horizontal and 2 vertical).
6. Disconnect and remove the air intake filter housing. Unplug the wire harness and the strap closest to the air intake housing.
7. Hold the inner fender with the fork screwdriver.
8. Remove fender. Remove (5) 13mm bolts from the top part of the fender: 2 by the hood hinge and the other 3 along the fender's lip. Remove (1) 13 mm bolt at the bottom of the bumper by the door. Remove (2) 13 mm bolts located by the bottom part of the hood hinge. Remove (4) 13 mm bolts that hold the Fender support (2 that attach the support to the body and 2 that attach it to the fender).
9. Remove the door cover. Use the fork to remove the lock and handle covers. Under each cover, you will find (1) 7/32 screw; remove them to free the door cover. To remove the door cover, lift straight up and pull. While the door panel is off, remove the door catch. After the door panel has been removed, undo necessary plastic clips to get more wire slack.
10. You will need to gain wire slack. After removing the side dashboard cover, also remove the foot trim and step trim to gain access to one black wire harness under the foot cover. Make sure to disconnect all (3) wire harnesses. Close the door and remove the factory wire loom and pull the wires out of the body and put them inside the door.
11. Remove the door: Before removing the door, use blue painter's tape and a pen to mark the factory door placement. You will use these marks to replace the door to look like the factory fit. To remove the door, open it and remove (2) 10 mm bolts (one on top and one on bottom). After removing the bolts, you and your helper lift up the door to remove it.
12. Cut and grind the factory hinge. Cut top hinge at these points. Your top hinge should look like this. Cut bottom hinge at these points. Your bottom hinge should look like this. Cut and grind top and bottom hinge on the door. Make sure all surfaces are smooth and flat.
13. Replace the door: To replace the door, make sure to use the marks on the tape (step 11). Use blue painter's tape to secure the door to the body.
14. New hole pattern on the body and door: Center the hinge and use a "punch" to mark the new hole pattern. Make sure the marks are in the middle of the holes so you have room for adjustments later. Use a 17/64 US Drill or 6.70 mm metric to make the new hole pattern for an 8MMx1.25 Tap.
15. Install your new Vertical Doors Inc. system: Tighten bolts on the door first, then the bolts on the body.
16. IMPORTANT STEP: DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL IN YOUR INSTALLATION PROCESS. IF THIS STEP IS NOT COMPLETED WHEN INSTALLING THE VERTICAL DOOR KIT, ALL WARRANTIES ARE VOIDED, AND IT MAY CAUSE FUTURE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR VERTICAL DOOR SYSTEM. 1st: Make sure you put grease on the body of the shoulder bolt where the arrow is pointing. 2nd: Make sure you put red Locktite where the arrow is pointing, on the thread of the shoulder bolt. 3rd: Make sure you put grease on the bottom side of the shock end.
17. WARNING! THE USE OF ANY TYPE PLIERS, PAINT, OR FOREIGN MATERIALS ON THE SHOCK'S BODY OR SHAFT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
18. Once the hinge is locked in place, break nut #1 then turn Allen set screw #2 (as shown in figure) until it hits the block. Then open the door and continue to adjust until the door matches the striker. Open and close the door, making sure it closes like the factory. Hint: Leave #1 nut loose until the shock is installed. The Allen set screw will have to be re-adjusted after the shock is installed.
19. Install the shock. You will need a helper to raise the door. Slip the spherical rod mount into the spherical ball bearing (1). Using a 1/4 Allen wrench, tighten the screw into the swing arm (2). After the shock is installed, secure it by installing the pin in the bottom shock end (3).
20. After the shock is installed, re-install the door panel and lift the door. Adjust door opening screw #3 clockwise until the distance between the nub and the swing arm is enough so that the swing arm moves up and down freely. Hint: Fine-tune the Allen Adjustment screw (#2) to realign the striker with the door. After the door is aligned, test the door by opening and closing, lifting and lowering the door several times. Note: Do not install the fender until the adjustment of the door is accurate, and the set screw is tightly secured. Also, make sure everything is tight, adjustment is set, and everything is Locktited. Add grease to the zerk fittings.
21. Modify wire arrangement. You will need a little more slack on the wires. Cut the factory wire loom in half and add the marker wire loom to protect the exposed wires. Run the wire as shown in the picture and reconnect all (3) wire harnesses in their original place.
22. You will have to cut the inner lip of your fender to make room for the new Vertical Doors Inc. system. NOTE: The picture below is for a Tahoe. Cut along the dotted lines. NOTE: The picture below is for an Escalade. Cut along the dotted lines.
23. Lift the door and Replace the fender.
24. Replace door panel. Hint: Make sure the electrical wires don't get pinched enough to damage wires.
25. Follow the same steps for the other side.