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Actually, there are quit a few modern cars and trucks with suicide doors, though lately it's usually more of suicide partial doors, like the back doors on crew cab pickups, RX8s, MINI clubmas, Hyundai Velosters, Honda Elements, Saturn coupes, etc.
New Rolls Royce Phantom coupe and convertible are suicide doors, as well. Same with the Ghost coupe:
If I am not mistaken, those cars (I know it is true of the RX8) have mechanical interlocks that prevent the back door from being closed unless the front door is first.
By the definitions I know of (The danger of the suicide door is the possibility of it opening in transit. A car occupant trying to catch the door by the handle to prevent its opening risks being jettisoned out of the car as the door is thrown open by the oncoming airflow), that makes them NOT suicide doors.
It looks like the Rolls is the exception, but I would be willing to bet there is an electronic interlock that prevents the car from being put into drive with either door open.
EDIT FOR: Research...
Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)
The rear doors are rear-hinged, a style commonly referred to as suicide doors, but called 'coach doors' by Rolls-Royce. Because of the rear-seating position in relation to the rear inner-door handles, buttons are mounted on both C-pillars which operate hydraulic motors in order to close the rear doors. An electronic lock prevents the doors from being accidentally opened when moving.
If an interlock is on the 2003, I guarantee it is also on newer cars.
Last edited by blktoptrvl; 03-11-2015 at 12:59 PM..
I think they lost popularity because older cars and trucks that did not have power steering and especially trucks could hit a bump, curb, or rock and the wheel would spin at great force; if the knob was attached and hit your hand, thumb or elbow it could do serious damage.
Actually, they where made illegal in most States, as an obstruction and steering hazard. They can get caught on shirt sleeves, and cause injury as a protrusion in case of an accident. They are legal if you are handicapped and get a permit to have it. That's why you don't see them much anymore.
Actually, they where made illegal in most States, as an obstruction and steering hazard. They can get caught on shirt sleeves, and cause injury as a protrusion in case of an accident. They are legal if you are handicapped and get a permit to have it. That's why you don't see them much anymore.
Most websites claim they are illegal, but none reference any specific statute. So, I searched my own state sites and found NOTHING on the subject. Nothing in state ordinances and nothing in the driver manual or on the DOT website. I believe this is just another urban legend.
The only places where can find reference to them at all are where states say that you MAY or WILL be REQUIRED TO HAVE ONE in certain cases of physical handicap.
Used to drive a truck that had a had "high and low" axles with a switch on the shifter. Had to double clutch to go from low to high for each gear. It had an electric switch for a "pnuematic parking brake" that would get stuck when locked in.
You need to "adjust the float" in your carburetor is something I haven't heard for a long time. Used to solder pin holes in a leaky float.
Another term I don't hear any more is "vapor lock." We used to keep a hose in the car because if it vapor locked we had to suck gas from the tank through a sypon into a cup and dump it in the carburetor to start it. It wouldn't start if it was vapor locked.
If I am not mistaken, those cars (I know it is true of the RX8) have mechanical interlocks that prevent the back door from being closed unless the front door is first.
By the definitions I know of (The danger of the suicide door is the possibility of it opening in transit. A car occupant trying to catch the door by the handle to prevent its opening risks being jettisoned out of the car as the door is thrown open by the oncoming airflow), that makes them NOT suicide doors.
It looks like the Rolls is the exception, but I would be willing to bet there is an electronic interlock that prevents the car from being put into drive with either door open.
EDIT FOR: Research...
Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)
The rear doors are rear-hinged, a style commonly referred to as suicide doors, but called 'coach doors' by Rolls-Royce. Because of the rear-seating position in relation to the rear inner-door handles, buttons are mounted on both C-pillars which operate hydraulic motors in order to close the rear doors. An electronic lock prevents the doors from being accidentally opened when moving.
If an interlock is on the 2003, I guarantee it is also on newer cars.
That would be the other way around; the back doors(Element, RX-8) must be closed before the front can be.
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