Suicide doors is a term used to describe a car door that opens in the opposite direction of a normal door, with the hinges located on the rear side of the door frame instead of the front. This type of door design has a long history and can trace its origins as far back as the 1700s, when they were commonly used in horse-drawn carriages.
The main reason why they became known as “suicide doors” is because they can be hazardous to use and open. Traditional car doors open outward and away from the frame and passengers, but a suicide door opens inward and towards the passengers.
This design can leave the passengers vulnerable while entering or leaving the car, as they may not be aware of how quickly the door can open and fall on them. In addition, the opposite side of the door can swing open unexpectedly, which could cause someone to fall out of the vehicle.
As a result, the doors received their nickname of “suicide doors” in the early 20th century.
Due to their potentially dangerous nature, suicide doors are now rarely used in modern automobiles. They are only found rarely and are mostly used for specialty vehicles.
Why is suicide doors called suicide door?
Suicide doors are a type of vehicle door that connects to the front and rear doors of a car, such that both doors open in a similar manner and one as a result of the action of the other. This type of door configuration is known as “suicide doors” due to the fact that it can be dangerous if the doors are opened in proximity to traffic, as it can result in the occupants being thrown out of the vehicle.
In addition to the potential danger, it can be challenging to close the doors and provide adequate support when the doors are open. The phrase “suicide door” is believed to have been coined by the media in the 1950s as a colloquial expression, but the potentially dangerous nature of this style of door is an important safety concern that has led to their decrease in popularity over the years.
What are suicide doors slang?
Suicide doors are slang for car doors that open in the opposite direction of the normal door hinges. This style of door is commonly seen on classic cars like a Ford Model A, as well as some more modern vehicles like the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.
Suicide doors provide a unique look to a car, as the opposite-opening gives it a more distinct look. Additionally, the doors can make it easier to get in an out of a car, versus the traditional front-hinged doors.
Despite their stylistic and convenience benefits, suicide doors do have some drawbacks. The movement of the door can be more awkward for passengers and children, for example, due to the opposite-opening, and can present more risk when it comes to safety in a collision.
Still, if the design and convenience benefits of suicide doors is an important factor to a car buyer, these doors can be a great addition to the car.
When did suicide doors become a thing?
Suicide doors, also known as coach doors, refer to a car door style where the rear doors open in the opposite direction of the front doors, usually in a “suicide” fashion. The term first came into popular use in the early 1900s, when this type of door was featured on the first mass-produced car, the Ford Model A.
This car was produced between 1927 and 1931 and was one of the first cars to feature suicide doors.
The popularity of suicide doors began to decline in the 1950s as car models shifted from boxy to more streamlined designs with thinner doors. By the 1970s, the style was almost completely phased out of production.
In recent years, the trend in cars has retraced some of the technology found in earlier models. This has created a resurgence of suicide doors with modern technology behind them. Luxury models, such as the Rolls Royce, have reintroduced the style.
They are also available on certain classic car replicas and modern car designs.
Are suicide doors still used?
No, suicide doors are no longer used in the automotive industry. These doors, which are hinged at the rear, were popular in cars such as the Ford Model T but have since gone out of fashion. They have been slowly replaced by conventional doors, which the vast majority of modern cars are now equipped with.
There are still some versions of classic cars that feature suicide doors, such as the VW Beetle and certain Rolls Royce models. However, this is becoming increasingly rare and these designs are no longer seen in cars produced today.
Do any modern cars have suicide doors?
No, no modern car has suicide doors. Suicide doors were popular in the early 20th century on luxury cars and were so named because they hinge at the back, reducing the risk of a passenger being ejected from the car in the event of an accident.
However, because of the extra weight and cost of adding hinges in the back for the doors, automakers transitioned away from suicide doors and by the 1970’s, most cars had conventional doors. Today, cars come only with standard hinges for the doors, and no manufacturers produce cars with suicide doors.
Can I put suicide doors on my car?
Unfortunately, “suicide doors” (doors that open from the rear instead of the front) are not a practical option for putting on your car as they are very prone to structural instability. Suicide doors are typically used on conceptual cars and custom vehicles, and would require numerous modifications to be made to your car in order to make them structurally sound, such as reinforcing the frame, adding additional body supports and strengthening the hinges.
In addition, the car would need to be re-certified in order to be road-legal, as this would constitute a significant alteration to the original design of the car. As such, the cost of both the modifications and the re-certification would be very high, and when factoring in the fact that the extra weight of the modifications could also detrimentally affect the car’s performance, many people find that it simply isn’t cost-effective or worth it to install suicide doors.
Do they still make suicide doors on cars?
No, cars no longer come with suicide doors. Suicide doors are hinged along the vehicle’s A-pillar, which means that the door opens backwards instead of forwards. For decades, cars with suicide doors on the front and back were quite popular in the automotive industry.
However, due to safety and security regulations, these doors are no longer produced. In conclusion, modern cars do not come equipped with suicide doors anymore.
How much would it cost to get suicide doors?
The cost of getting suicide doors could vary depending on the type and model of the vehicle. Generally speaking, some smaller cars and trucks can have suicide doors installed for around $2,000 – $3,000, although this price could go up depending on the complexity of the installation.
High-end luxury cars, such as an Aston Martin or a Rolls Royce, could cost anywhere from $15,000 – $20,000. Additionally, the cost of parts could add up depending on the vehicle. Installation and labor costs may also be included.
If a car has electronics, climate control, or other high-tech features, the cost of installation could increase as a professional would need to ensure that everything is properly connected.
In short, the cost of getting suicide doors could vary depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the installation. Generally speaking, it could range between $2,000 – $20,000, although some luxury cars could cost more.
Are butterfly and suicide doors the same?
No, butterfly and suicide doors are not the same. Butterfly doors are usually found on sports cars, and they swing outward, hinging near the front of the car. They are typically two doors that each open opposite directions to the other – usually left door opens forward and right door opens backward.
Suicide doors, on the other hand, are primarily seen on much older classic vehicles and open in opposite directions away from the center of the car – usually both doors open to the rear. Unlike butterfly doors, suicide doors do not hinge near the front of the car.