Has anyone here installed a set of bear claw latches ?

[1STMP]

I've been working on an older vehicle
where replacement parts are non-existant.
A 1940 Plymouth Pickup.
Has anyone here installed a set of bear claw
latches?

I've browsed some hotrod sites and some of
the methods they use seem to be a little a
little bit of an overkill.
I don't see the need to cut out a large area in
the door just to weld in a reinforcement plate.
These doors are not very heavy.

 

[slimt]

Do you have the latches? Do you have the strikers?

 

[1STMP]

Do you have the latches? Do you have the strikers?

Not the originals. I do have the bear claws.
These are the reinforcement plates.

This is a similar kit:

 

[slimt]

Not the originals. I do have the bear claws.
These are the reinforcement plates.
View attachment 1340800
This is a similar kit:
View attachment 1340811

the top picture with the reinforcements are a guide of where to shape the sheet metal as well?

Do you have access to the inside of the cab for the plates for the pins?

 

[1STMP]

the top picture with the reinforcements are a guide of where to shape the sheet metal as well?

Do you have access to the inside of the cab for the plates for the pins?

Yes to both questions.
This is a pic of the old striker.

 

[64 Sportfury]

I used Altman Latches by Trique Manufacturing on my 40 Ford Pickup. They make a specific application for

my truck but they also make a unviersal set of latches and plates. Nice quality.

 

[1STMP]

I used Altman Latches by Trique Manufacturing on my 40 Ford Pickup. They make a specific application forView attachment 1340846

my truck but they also make a unviersal set of latches and plates. Nice quality.

I don't see the need for the big heavy bracket
when the latch can be mounted directly to
door, and a notch cut for the post on the B
pillar. I'm pretty sure there's enough space
for the latch to fit between the inside surface
of the door and the window channel. Have
you got a pic of the post attached to the B
pillar?
Also, what type of mechanism did you use
to open your door from the inside?
I plan on keeping my exterior door handles
and will have to fashion a rod or cable
to activate the latch.
Nice color choice by the way. I'll bet she's
one nice lookin' truck.
Thanks for your help!

 

[64 Sportfury]

 

[64 Sportfury]

I believe the guide plate adds strength and helps locate the latch. That being said, you are the judge of whether or not extra strength is needed and locating the latch with a universal set up is no big deal. Thanks for the compliments. Dupont Pacific Gold.

 

[64 Sportfury]

I ran a cable set up from Juliano's.com for the inside actuation. This all required a lot of adjustment after I added door weatherstrip a few months ago. A pic of the door handle knob.

 

[1STMP]

Thanks for the pics.
They'll help a lot.