Suicide doors

[robert shreveport]

Wasn't it 32,33,34,35 ford coupes that had this, or was it 33,34,35?

[Lawson Cox]

I believe 32's had them as well, or at least sometime during the production year.

[JSeery]

If your talking just coupes: 32 3 window and 33 and 34 3 & 5 windows.

[papanomad]

32 3 window coupe and all 33 and 34 cars.

[petehoovie]

'34 Fordor - The last Sedan to have 4 suicide doors....

[big job]

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Question? I have always wondered why these are called suicide doors. I think
you fall out of normal doors easier. Suicide doors would act as a gate wouldn't
you think? Growing up I had a ration or say a fleet of 1933 Plymouths & I just
like those doors. (And I aint no gangster)

[jimvette59]

When you tried to hold them from swinging open while going 50 mph you would be yanked out of the car . Actually committing suicide . My drivers side door flew open on my 34 3 window coupe at 60 mph but I did not grab it I just pulled over and checked my pants .

[Tom Walker]

My '32 Tudor (euro) has suicide doors. I was enjoying a cross country drive a while ago and the drivers door came unlatched over a bump, flew open, ripped the (weakened with age) keeper out of the frame and slammed right back onto the rear fender. Luckily the door didnt come off completely, but it very nearly did. The upper hinge has been torn out of the timber frame. I dont really know how I will repair it, without major invasive surgery.

I had not latched the door properly, partly because the doors dont hang very well. The drivers door would occasionally pop off its first latch.....But this must be why they became extinct! I have seen people install small safety chains which have to be secured every time the door is closed.

I think they make it easier to get in and out of the car. You step out and forward. Fun to have but with drawbacks!

[JSeery]

I use a safety latch on my 33 coupe.

[Bob/Pa]

Ditto on safety latch..works great with no woory of either popping open.

[Frank Miller]

Not to mention if you accidentally open one into an oncoming vehicle instead of being ripped off it will crush you.

[Henry Hopper]

I used a dead-bolt latch on my 34 coupes doors....it was just routine to shut the doors and flip the latches....the thought of one of them doors flying open at speed made me fit them.

I really don't like suicide doors...they are a bit effeminate to me..a bit like a pushbike with no crossbar..lol.

[Ian NZ]

I always worry a bit about the the doors that could fly open on our 1932 3/W refer, to thread ' Christmas Parades in N.Z' I would like you guys to describe to me the types of latches you have fitted to your suicide doors. I think the latches on the doors could get a bit worn too and I wonder if you can fit stronger springs etc on them.

[Henry Hopper]

Though not identical,this is sort of like I used...

[Fordors]

http://www.carolinacustom.com/pages/..._kits_page.jsp

Just one of many on the market, Google "suicide door safety latch" to see more, both manual and electric.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Originally Posted by jimvette59

When you tried to hold them from swinging open while going 50 mph you would be yanked out of the car . Actually committing suicide . My drivers side door flew open on my 34 3 window coupe at 60 mph but I did not grab it I just pulled over and checked my pants .

I owned an English Alvis Grey Lady once. The first time a door flew open I nearly ended up out of the car when I tried to shut it. Try pulling a door shut against the airflow and you know why they are called "suicide" doors.

GB