Ford B Max - Keeping it Simple
I have just been contacted by a colleague (and friend) in Sweden, who asked me how I would go about gaining access to a Ford B Max. Of course Ford have removed the B pillar construction, which is great news.....or is it?
This is not the first time I have been asked the question regarding the B Max and it has caused a few people to scratch their heads (not my friend in Sweden I must add!)
It is true though, that as soon as something changes, it tends to make us think and, quite often, overcomplicate things. My method would be the following:
(Scene safety, stability and glass management completed................)
- Try the door by hand. Simple, but can be effective.
- I prefer to attack the hinges, so I would expose them (either by crushing the front wing or by opening up the shut lines with a halligan tool).
- I would then (as the door is closed) spread the hinges starting above the top hinge, then the check strap, then the bottom hinge.
- Once the hinges had failed, I would attack the door locks (which are positioned at the top and the bottom). I would position my spreader using the roof rail as a point of strength for the top lock and the sill as a point of strength for the bottom lock.
- As for the back door; if there is no damage, I would try and open it in the usual way, persuading it with the spreaders and make use of the space created by opening it as it is designed. If this was not possible, I would try and spread the door out of the runners.
Tip - Dont look at it as a vehicle without B pillars and with a sliding door. Just look at is as a vehicle, where access needs to be gained. The front door still has hinges and locks, and the back door (if undamaged) will create lots of space quickly, easily and safely.
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
As always I appreciate your comments...
Ian