Just a quick response to a couple of the posts.
1) The bummer about the pushbutton handles and their latches is that they are fairly easy to convert, relative to the dowturn handles. I just *can't* make myself do it. Weird that I should be a stickler for something like that while wanting to convert to power, I know.
2) There is a major difference between the driver and passenger latches. The "lock" is built into the passenger side latch and I think it would take a real live miracle to be able to make that happen on the driver's side. Looked at them both closely and decided no way for my skill level.
3) I took one of my junk latches (it was original but cracked in a number of places) and did what I said I was going to. That is, removed the "safety catch" just by grinding it off. Now the door works the way I want and all I need to do is attach a 30lb solenoid to "unlock" the door.

I'll keep you posted and send some pics when I get it all together.

No, I'm not done yet.