MSA's 2013 SEMA Project: Black Rhino > Suicide Doors, the beginning

Inside Panoramic Image

Suicide Door Hinges

As we tore down everything, we wanted to make sure that the interior was safe. While installing and suicide door kit, the carpeting, plastics, and rubber seals are all subject to damage from the welding and grinding that has to be done. We chose this specific kit because we were told it was a bolt on kit and the installation was very simple (for someone with technical knowledge). Brackets, cups, hinges...everything would be sent and ready to go. However, as you can see to the left, the only parts we received were hinges. After a call, we were disappointed to have been told we received everything we were supposed to receive.

That catches you up to where we are now (although not the most recent photos). We've cut out the passenger factory hinge, door handle, and latch to relocate them to the front of the doors.  The door has been shaved and pocket created for the hinges to sit.  Keep in mind, these plates have to hold the entire weight of a door, so there are several plates welded together to retain rigidity and strength.  This vehicle isn't just going to be a show vehicle.  It will be our tow pig to our drift events and a daily driver.  These doors have to hold up to the abuse.  I've been very reluctant in doing a suicide door kit because of the many I have seen sag when the doors are opened.  We are hoping that the plates we've added coupled with the strength of these hinges will keep these going for a long time.

The metal isn't the prettiest, but it never is when you're bending and shaping it.  Once the body work is complete, it will look like we never touched the doors.  Special care will be taken where it will look as if Ford manufactured the doors themselves.