VDCSMART420810 is the Vertical Doors, Inc. vehicle-specific Vertical Door Conversion Kit for the 2008-2014 Smart Fortwo 451. The system retains the vehicle's original front doors and creates the traditional VDI movement: each converted door opens outward first, then raises vertically. This conversion is also commonly described as a Lambo door kit or scissor door kit.
Why Vertical Doors Suit the Fortwo 451
The 451 retains the Fortwo's short wheelbase and tall safety cell, while its long doors create an especially dramatic vertical movement beside the compact cabin.
The vehicle-specific hinge system changes the motion of the original front doors without replacing the factory door shells, glass, latch, or interior panels.
- Manufacturer: Vertical Doors, Inc.
- Part Number: VDCSMART420810
- Product Type: Vertical Door Conversion Kit
- Vehicle: Smart Fortwo 451
- Model Years: 2008-2014
- Generation: Second-generation Smart Fortwo
- Platform: Smart 451 platform
- Body Style: 2-door coupe or cabrio; confirm exact body
- Manufacturing: Made in the USA
The VDI Support Promise
We are here before, during, and after your purchase.
Vertical Doors, Inc. can help with fitment questions before you order, installation guidance while the kit is being installed, and product support after the conversion is complete.
You are purchasing this system directly from Vertical Doors, Inc., the company that manufactures, supports, and stands behind it. If you have a question about fitment, installation, adjustment, replacement parts, or the product itself, the VDI team is here to help.
For current support hours and contact options, call 951-245-8669 or contact the VDI team.
2008-2014 Smart Fortwo 451 Fitment
This kit is designed for the 2008-2014 Smart Fortwo 451 2-door coupe or cabrio; confirm exact body range listed by Vertical Doors, Inc.
The available manual is for the 451 generation. Confirm coupe or cabrio body, exact year, and any Electric Drive component differences.
Important fitment note: Model, trim, package, engine, drivetrain, platform, and edition names help identify vehicles sold within the listed range. They do not confirm that every configuration automatically uses the same VDI hinge application. Confirm the model year, exact model, body style, cab or door configuration, and hinge area before ordering when fitment is uncertain.
Contact Vertical Doors, Inc. first if the vehicle has aftermarket fenders, widebody components, custom bodywork, previous collision repair, a body conversion, replacement hinges, or another modification near the hinge and fender area.
Chassis / Platform and Trim Guide
- Generation: Second-generation Smart Fortwo
- Chassis / Platform: Smart 451 platform
- Body Style: 2-door coupe or cabrio; confirm exact body
- Principal trims and models: Pure, Passion, BRABUS, Electric Drive, coupe, and cabrio variants; availability varies
- Packages and configurations: Body style, engine, transmission, drivetrain, performance, roof, and appearance packages are configurations.
Fitment note: The available manual is for the 451 generation. Confirm coupe or cabrio body, exact year, and any Electric Drive component differences.
This terminology helps identify the vehicle. It does not expand the confirmed VDI application or prove that another body on a related platform uses this kit.
What Comes in the Kit
- One driver-side Vertical Doors, Inc. hinge assembly
- One passenger-side Vertical Doors, Inc. hinge assembly
- Two gas shocks
- Required mounting hardware
- Vehicle-specific installation instructions
Your purchase also includes access to Vertical Doors, Inc. fitment, installation, adjustment, operation, and replacement-parts support.
How the Vertical Door Conversion Works
After installation, open the converted Fortwo 451 front door outward until it reaches the hinge system's stopping point, then raise it vertically. The gas shock assists during the upward movement.
Proper installation and adjustment are essential for door alignment, latch operation, wiring clearance, surrounding panel clearance, and consistent opening and closing.
Installation Requirements
The VDI hinge system is designed around the vehicle's factory hinge area. Bolt-on describes the vehicle-specific mounting design; it does not mean the installation is modification-free. Installation commonly requires body-panel removal, non-visible trimming or clearance work, wiring management, and careful final alignment.
Front-fender removal is a standard step used to reach the factory hinge area. Most vehicles also require door-panel removal to access the door wiring and obtain additional wire slack. The factory wire boot is cut in half for routing, but the factory wires usually do not need to be cut. Inner-fender trimming is also part of the normal installation process, but it is not visible from the outside. Review How to Install Vertical Doors, Inc. Door Conversion Kits for an overview.
Before loosening or removing the original hinges, use 2-inch painter's tape to mark the door's factory alignment. Place tape across the door and adjacent body at several reference points, including near the hinges and firewall, then draw matching alignment lines across the tape. These marks help preserve the door's original horizontal and vertical position during installation.
Fortwo 451-specific installation note: The Smart 451 procedure requires removing the door, trimming the plastic hinge-area cover, grinding two protruding screws for clearance, relocating the antenna amplifier, and installing the supplied L-brackets.
- Support each door safely throughout the installation.
- Follow the supplied instructions for hinge stops, gas-shock installation, wiring, and panel clearance.
- Check the latch, weather sealing, wiring, and surrounding body panels before road use.
If you are not experienced with door alignment, drilling or tapping where applicable, body-panel removal, trimming, and wiring clearance, use a qualified automotive customization or body shop.
Before You Order
- Verify that the vehicle matches the 2008-2014 Smart Fortwo 451 listing and body style described above.
- Confirm the exact model year, model, body style, cab, and door configuration.
- Review every platform, generation, production-year, and body-style note on this page.
- Tell VDI about aftermarket fenders, widebody components, custom bodywork, previous collision repair, replacement hinges, or modifications near the hinge area.
- Review the current shipping and return policies before purchasing.
- Call Vertical Doors, Inc. at 951-245-8669 when fitment is uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VDCSMART420810 a universal Lambo door kit?
No. This is a vehicle-specific VDI application for the listed 2008-2014 Smart Fortwo 451. It is not a universal weld-on hinge system.
Does it fit every trim and body style?
No blanket all-trim or all-body claim should be made from the model name alone. Match the exact model year, body, cab or door configuration, and VDI listing.
Does the conversion replace the factory doors?
No. The original front doors are retained. The VDI hinge assemblies and gas shocks change how the doors move.
Is trimming or adjustment required?
Yes. Installation commonly requires body-panel removal, non-visible trimming or clearance work, wiring management, hinge adjustment, and careful final door alignment.
Can Vertical Doors, Inc. help after purchase?
Yes. VDI provides fitment, installation, adjustment, operation, replacement-parts, and product support before, during, and after the purchase.
Browse all Smart Vertical Door Kits or contact Vertical Doors, Inc. for fitment help before ordering.
“Just an awesome experience today at Vertical Doors! This company takes care of their customers! Thank you for making our son's day. You all rock!”
“Vertical Doors Inc is the original name in the game when it comes to Lambo Doors. I had the pleasure of buying their kit for my 2014 C7. I highly recommend getting the install done by them as the process is quite extensive! They had me in and out in one day. No door gaps to speak of and the hinges feel smooth and strong. Don't try doing the kit at home, let the pros do it for you. They also gave me a deal on some beautiful true carbon fiber skirts made in house! Shout out to their sibling company California SuperCoupes.”
“I was having trouble with my C8 Door after a terrible attempt at install by another company (Eikon Motorsports). I called Vertical Doors and Danny was able to be a hugeeeee help. He got me in right away, told me exactly what the problem was, knowledgeable, extremely responsive, and communicated with me the whole way through. I cant say enough of the team there. I wish I would have come to them in the first place.”
Ordered my 2018 SS Camaro kit during the COVID crises. The team worked hard to get my kit to me during this critical time. I am so pleased with the new look. It took my Camaro to a new level. Great craftsmanship and best kit anywhere. - TJ from Florida
“I have ordered and self installed a C7 Corvette Vertical door kit on my convertible. The kit is a top quality product and great tech help if needed. I am looking forward to doing a C8 install later this year. Just waiting on my Corvette to be made and delivered.”
I have ordered and self installed a C7 Corvette Vertical door kit on my convertible. The kit is a top quality product and great tech help if needed. I am looking forward to doing a C8 install later this year. Just waiting on my Corvette to be made and delivered.
