The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Power door locks, 47-49 original latches

We have converted several Chevy doors over to power latches. On one we completely removed the inside handle and on others we used a heavy solenoid to open the door with a remote. I would stay away from the weak 8 pounder solenoids and go with the big 30+ pounders. On the one with no inside door handle we welded a 4" piece to the latch bar that connects to the rod from the inside handle. The solenoid is located "in" the door with a brace and an aircraft cable goes up to the welded bar. On the one with an inside door handle we tied the cable at a bend on the rod going to the door handle. The cable goes foward the around a pulley (door hardware) from Home Depot, then at about a 45 degree angle down to the solenoid mounted "inside" the door again. It is mounted at the bottom of the door below the door latch. The door is widest at the bottom rear so thats why we choose that location. You will have plan for obstructions, window, window tracks, and so on. I would also plan for relays and the location of the hole you are going to have to drill in the door for power. "Streetworks" has kits for all this so you can get an idea of whats needed. Might as well put power windows in also. "Nu-Relics" has direct replacement power windows kits that bolt right up to the old window mounts. They are good people. Have fun.