Geppetto: I think you might want to stay with the factory latches for now. Building the operators isn’t that hard as know one but you will see the welding and a grinder is your best friend. Pulling in the bear claws and making them look good is a lot harder. Look at Houston and Chuck’s site. http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=2902753& http://www.chuckthetruck.com/
My pics http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o142/dapapa_photos/Doors/?action=view&current=DSC00183.jpg http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o142/dapapa_photos/Doors/?action=view&current=DSC00187.jpg
I don’t want to rain on your parade but welding is a main part of fabricating. You should get a small mig and play around with it till you’re conferrable. You will probably need to do other welding like cab corners, door bottoms, it won’t go to waste. Got some pics of your truck? Jeff

New deal for old steel