33 Ford Suicide Doors ???

[Cajun Kid]

I have bear claw latches on my doors now, but was told to tech for USFRA I will need some type of secondary way to keep the doors closed in case the latches fail.  Also whatever I install has to be operational from the inside and outside of the car.

Any idea's??

Charles

[maguromic]

I couldn't tell from the pictures if you were running front windows, but if not you could pin the doors, and they can be opened from the inside and out.  You could also use Hartwell latches.  They work great for keeping the canopies down on stream liners and on NASCAR windows and for airplane usage.

[Cajun Kid]

Yes, I do have windows in the doors.  I ran with them up yesterday.  I was not aware I could run with the windows down??  What effect would running with the windows down have?  I assume it wopuld be a bit cooler in the car, but would think to much wind/air would get in there with no place to go?  Could it creat lift and a handleing problem?  My car is old school and not very areodynamic, kinda like a brick..

Thanks

Charles

[maguromic]

I would not run with the windows down for the exact reasons that you mentioned.  I just thought the you had no windows.  The windows up is a plus.  By the way congratulations on your accomplishments!!!!

[RichFox]

I have seen what looks like a pin, spring loaded out. Located in the door and running through the door frame into the body. Like your gate latch at home maybe. Small rod sticking out in a slot for outside working. Something for you to grab on the inside. Pull back to open.

[4-barrel Mike]

Something like this: http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~dyndetail~Z5Z5Z50000042b~Z5Z5Z503049~P52.45~~~~S2EM0LSKI675164118636f~Z5Z5Z5~Z5Z5Z50000042b



$52.45/pair

Mike

[jimmy six]

I would contact Lee Kennedy and Alan Fogalidini for clarification. Typically a secondary latching device was needed before the replacement bearclaws were avalable. I believe there are quite a few "suicide door" vehicles running with only bear claw latching devices. If they will meet requirements, I would get a letter confirming this so it may pass the USFRA. The two organizations do work together. ....Good Luck

[Cajun Kid]

Mike,  Thanks,  it looks like to make thise latches work I would have to slot not only the inside door panel (no problem) I would have to slot the outside door skin also (man I hate to do that)  Also my car has working power windows ( I know why would a race car even have working windows, not to mention power ones at that) The ones you pictured  may interfere with the window tracks..

Well I have 90 days to find a solution.

Thanks..

Jimmy Six,,, I will do that,  I too thought the bearclaws where Ok,,,, don't get me wrong I in NO WAY want my door to fly open,  but if the bear claws are Ok, I need to know,,, If they are only marginaly better than stock, I better put secondary pins in.. I hit one bump on my second run pretty hard and my mind for brief mili second wondered if my door woud stay shut. It did, but that is the last thing I need to worry about as I go faster,,,,

The motor felt like it had lots more in it,, I mean lots,,,I felt like a race horse jockey holding the steed back...

My choice of body style was personal preferance, I know that it is an areo brick,, but I wanted a race car and that LOOK,,, who knows, maybe another body with this little motor in the future, but for now,, Let the Vicky race on...

Charles

[Sumner]

Can you replace the side glass with lexan, at least while running?? Then you could either slot it or put an opening in it to reach through.




Look close on the two door windows and you will see the handles and window holes.



Sounds like you had a good time,

Sum

[Cajun Kid]

Sum,  long time no talk to.. Yeah I had a great time,,, got a D license and record on my second run,,,

Hey,  Can I keep my glass windows in the doors, roll them down and make some (removabe) lexan windows/ inserts with slots/holes to get to the secondary door latch pins ?


That may work,,, to bad I have no skill or talent to think up or make these modifications...

Charles.

[Sumner]

......................Hey,  Can I keep my glass windows in the doors, roll them down and make some (removable) lexan windows/ inserts with slots/holes to get to the secondary door latch pins ?................

I don't see why not, but you might want to submit it.

..............That may work,,, to bad I have no skill or talent to think up or make these modifications...Charles.

Yeah it is a shame that your cars have to look so shabby    ,

Sum

[Glen]

Any glass window need to be covered with a window film to prevent shattering and leaving tiny bits of glass all over the courses. In the past we have lost up to two hours cleaning up the pieces. Check the rule book for requirements.

[Cajun Kid]

I am on that, Thanks Glen.