Info needed: TOOL BOX Chevrolet c15a no. 12

[Alex van de Wetering]

Suicide doors is also a common term here in Holland......(well the Dutch translation "Zelfmoord deuren" or "deurtjes verkeerd"). As Bob says....the latches in those days were not as "safe" as on todays cars. I thought the main risk was during cornering.....a door could accidentally open and the car would throw the passenger out of the car in front of upcoming traffic, as there were no seatbelts at the time......hence the name suicide doors.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Bob and Alex

Another common problem with doors that opened out from the front edge was the placements of the door handles which often were in a comfortable place to rest your hand or hold on. With expected results, of door being open and at speed the with people being pulling them out before you can let go of the handle.

I have a 49 Lincoln Town Car with "suicide door" rear doors in working on the car there was evidence that both doors had been opened and slammed back at some time in the cars life.
It is much easier to get in and out of cars with this type of door.

What is interesting is that we're dealer installed safety pins that required you to open the front door (normal opening) before opening the rear door, a child safety feature.

When I'm driving my Pattern 12 on the hooks I have small bungee cords to make sure that the hooks doesn't bounce out of the holes in the door.

Cheers Phil