The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Bear Claw Latches

I'm gonna be putting bear claw latches in my truck.

Can anyone tell me which to buy? On eBay, it looks like Autolock is the best, but I see "large" and "small" bear claw latches ... which is correct for our trucks?

Anyone know?

This may help you. It shows how I did the small latches on my 54. Send me a PM if you have any questions. I have seen some done with the large latch but in my experience there is not enough room inside the door for them.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=11601864&uid=2902753

Wow! What a *great* tutorial! You are a life-saver, man!

Where did you buy your Autolock kit? Should I buy mine on eBay? Sometimes it looks like they are only selling the latches and not all the other parts.

THANKS!

I got mine off ebay. A quick search found auction # 260106374037 has the same ones that I used but I also bought the installation kit which made things a bit easier. The install kit will show up eventually on ebay as everything usually does that I need. Autoloc is the brand I used. If you want some pics of the final results I can take some. The install was pretty easy and figuring out how to keep the outside handle was the interesting part of the challenge. It is working fine for me.

I used the large. Just mke sure you get the install kit.

Thanks, guys. I'm having my truck painted this Spring and the painter is going to install them before paint.

I'll definitely be posting the final results.

I used small latches on my 55 3600. I shaved doors and used 78 lb pulls and door popers. if you do install them consider what I did. I put the latch in the door post and the bolt in the door, easy to do and no wires and holes in front door post or door.

However -- with the bolt in the door, instead of the latch, you can not use the door handles ... correct?

I like my door handles.

It's not me, but correct. You must use actuators and a remote.

The stock door handles could be used to operate a microswitch inside the door to actuate the latches. This was the plan for a project truck that didn't happen.

Mar-Ktech

I don't like electric windows or doors ... one problem and you can't get in or out, you know?

sorry for the delay in responce, been on the road. micro switch can be used with original handle but did not go that way. I installed a spring loaded rod from the latch up inside the cab above the sholder and attached a simple ball handle to it. works buy simply reaching up and pulling down. I also installed a cable pull outside and under cab in case of elec failure. I only use the popers to enter truck, and only then if the window is rolled up otherwise I reach in and pull down on the ball, works slick. I put arm rest on the door for comfort and to provide a way to close door as you enter the truck. hope this helps.

I could not find this url at first, It shows shaved doors and filler neck on 55 2nd and has the latch on post install. [URL=http://www.vanhalen-irc.com/pro55/body3.htm]