The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors bear claw door latches ?

guys,
as i have posted before, my 57's door latches are driving me crazy, sticking all the time, and they look to be new.

i am throwing around different ideas, and was wondering if any of you have installed the bear claw type latches in your trucks ?
i see them for sale in all the magazines and everyone talks how dependable they are, and was just wondering..... if they could be adapted to my 57 ?

thanks much.

leonard

I put a set in my '39. Not too tough really, but it does take some cutting, welding and fabbing.

Craig

I had new latches on my 54 and they gave me fits. i had to have the rotating pins welded in place because they were coming loose because they were press fitted in. the stress of hitting the striker was causing them to come loose. ron

http://www.chuckthetruck.com/page23.html

I lube 'em twice a year and never give them a second thought. Work great.

wow. thanks a bunch guys. especially chuckthetrucks and your very detailed info.
i am really gonna look into this more.
chuck, were you able to keep the inside locking mechanism ?

thanks again guys.

leonard

look what i found guys... a bolt in bear claw kit. a bit pricey though.
http://www.triquemfg.com/1955-59_chevy_trucks.php







i would kill for my doors to open and close this easy.

leonard