Do they have some sort of function or are they just supposed to look cool?
http://www.thehotrodgirl.com/suicideknobs.html
2007-10-23 16:59:49 · 8 answers · asked by your_dear_old_mother 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Wow, that takes me back some years. They were used in an age when most cars didn't have power steering, and they had large steering wheels to compensate for it. The spinners were used to help turn the wheels quickly if you had to. They were also about being cool.
You don't see them anymore, as they are not needed, and in most states illegal unless there is a handicap reason to have them.
Good luck, -- you might be able to see some next August when they have the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville,Ky at the State Fair Grounds.
2007-10-23 20:51:24 · answer #1 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are for inflicting serious injury upon the driver in the event of an accident, which is why they are illegal most places. At one time steering wheels were larger, and a car without power steering was easier to steer using a rotating knob, aka a "spinner". They are not necessary on today's cars, but some truckers find them of use I understand.
2007-10-24 13:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These attached to the steering wheel of a car and looked like a knob that was free spinning...when driving a car, holding onto this knob would make it very easy to steer and make turns with one hand..in those days power steering was not around yet so the spinner made turning very easy, aside from it being very cool! Unfortunately, they are now outlawed stating that the driver doesn't have full control...
2007-10-23 17:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by Ernie G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks something like a door knob,that bolts to the steering. It was used back in the days when cars did not have power steering and had a large steering wheel. It made it possible to turn the steering wheel with one hand.
2007-10-23 17:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by kwhotrods 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, ease of turning the wheel when the need to turn in tight spots occur frequently. (Just grab the knob, and concentrate on turning instead of the 'hand over hand' method.) Due to the size of the device, using them in passenger cars is over-kill, where-as in tractor trailers they are ideal for frequent backing up and such. I've used them in trucks alot. Illegal in some states.
Hope this helps.
2007-10-23 17:14:16 · answer #5 · answered by dancamera1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what i've got heard, they're unlawful in maximum states except you have some style of handicap that calls for you to apply one. i've got seen them put in on very own automobiles for people who can't use the pedals to tension yet have handles for gasoline and brake. The spinner frequently is truly detachable for huge-unfold operation and preserving it criminal for different drivers.
2016-12-15 07:51:52 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that they are actually illegal for cars unless you have a handicap that makes it necessary. they are used on large trucks and farm tractors that have a very slow steering ratio
2007-10-23 17:14:56 · answer #7 · answered by timothy m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We used to call them cowboy knobs. I only saw them on handicap cars so they could turn with the good arm. (no joke)
2007-10-23 17:13:42 · answer #8 · answered by H-vaker 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋