ProtoConVert

What do you all think about ways to improve entry or exit in the rx8? It's one of the few gripes I have about the car. This is especially true with a multi-car garage. Friends and especially elder family have difficulty getting in the car, and if they don't mention it then its somewhat easy to notice.

Some of the things I was thinking about include installing handles or grips on the ceiling, closer to the midline of the car than occupant's heads. The idea behind this is to allow the person to grab the handle with their inside hand, and then sort of laterally swing into seat, somehow avoiding hitting their head on the door. Hopefully I've described this such that it makes sense. The "ladylike" entry method previously described on this board definitely works, but is time consuming and I was thinking the car needs some more Dukes of Hazzard to it. All cars do, for that matter.

The other concern I had was with the door opening/closing mechanism. It seems like the door is somewhat 'notchy' in opening, meaning that there are 2 or three angular positions which the door gravitates to. Sometimes when the door goes a little bit past one of the notches, it seems to return so fast to that notch that it passes it, slamming the door closed in the process. Real pain in the *** when I'm trying to get out of the car. It also seems like the first two notches are "too close to get into/out of car" or "farther than the arms of any person alive who doesn't play professional basketball."

Hopefully people know what I'm talking about. If so, does anyone know how the door mechanism works, and is there any way to change it to a more linear, stable travel?

Labop

I just do a "side jerk-hop". You throw your left leg and *** out in one jerk, balancing on the door, then pull the rest out in a hopping motion. The upshot of this technique is that since you're hand is on the door, you don't get the problem with the notches, the door stays where you want it.

ProtoConVert

that seems like a lot of intermittent load on the door. Interesting technique, though

Labop

actually, I don't put any weight on the door, my hand is just there for balance. I ain't no gymnast

robertdot

My entry technique is to open the door, and place my hand on it to steady myself (I think where the inside handle is). No weight is really put on it. Then I turn sideways, and put my right foot in and forward toward the gas pedal. I use my left leg to lower myself downward, and lean toward the seat. As I enter the door, I tilt my head to the left to avoid a concussion, as my speed picks up as my leg loses effective holding power at extreme angles. After I am planted in the seat, I pull my left leg in while pulling the door shut behind it.

My exit technique is to open the door, and put my left leg out while turning my body toward the door. As I do this, I place my left arm on the seat beside my hips, and use it (in conjunction with my right leg) to push myself up until I get my weight over my left leg and it can take over. My right foot/leg trails out as I pivot left on my left foot. Once sturdy, I turn around to close the door.

Or, at least, this is how I remember doing it.

wakeech

yeah, the doors are strong as hell, steel rules. just jump in and out, you're not going to hurt the car.

Omicron

The door hold-open detents are one of my few frustrations with this car. I find the second to furthest open detent to be too weak unless I stop the door there and hold it for a second - and even then, it often swings back on me. The furthest open position is the only reliable one, but that means the door is practically perpendicular to the car - and it's not exactly useful when the car is in my garage.

One of these days I'll be looking at redesigning the hold-open detent hardware. But if someone tackles this before me, I'll be happy to buy it.

Soundave

My technique to enter the car is to open the door, put my right foot on the dead pedal, lower myself in while using my right foot for stability, and just sit down. Works well.

LiveBlues

I just get in butt first. Open the door, turn around and sit down. Then swing my legs in. I tried the balance on the left foot while lifting the right up and in technique, but I didn't care for the stress it put on my old joints.

moatz

I was watching late night telly, last night. And they had a program showing commercials from around the world.

They had a doage ad from 1959 (I think the car was a 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer). I think a quote from the ad "out of the old came the new".

Anyway, it had a swing-out seat. This might help. :D

w2aew

Boy, am I disappointed... I thought this was going to be a nice technical thread about improving corner entry and exit speeds.... ;-)

SpinninAgain!

w2aew,
When entering I trail brake until my apex hits the drivers seat. Then I stick my foot in it. Get my drift?

8's enough

I think people are having such a hard time getting inand out because the car sits so low.if you are experiencing this problem just put so hydrolics on the car to raise it up for you .i personaly dont have a problem getting in but getting out is a different story because as you know once you get in the 8 you dont want too get out.

robertdot

Alternatively, you could amputate your legs at the knee.

w2aew

Thank you - I feel better now! :-)

Omicron

I have no problem getting in and out of the car... I'm just tired of the door trying to sever my leg at the shin as I get in and out.