The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop bear claw latch release issue

Just wondering if anyone has installed bear claw latches, I am about to and am wondering how I could run the (emergency)cable inside the cab and one outside, (just in case)I have shaved handles and the latch with the actuator will mount in the cab pillar. I would think a cable inside a loom of soom sort would be best but there could be some angles to incorporate that may be a challenge, any thoughts. 51 pickup..

Mounting the latch on the cab instead of on the door could present a problem with confusion in opening the door from the inside in a panic emergency exit situation. I'd advise mounting the latch on the door as intended by the manufacturer and the stud to be mounted in the cab opening. You can then use your original inside handle or any aftermarket or donor car handles on the inside of the door to open it. You would then run an emergency release cable down the inside of the door and have an exit at the door bottom for access to the cable. You could also make a steel rod and a bell crank setup to release the latch. Run the rod straight down to the door bottom covered in rubber to prevent rattling around. An access hole at the door bottom will allow you to push the rod thus releasing the latch.

Thanks for the advise, much appriciated.

I mounted bear claws in the b-pillars and the striker bolt are located on the doors of my 50 PU. My wife likes the original handles so I gutted the original door latch and mounted a waterproof micro switch that is activated by either the outside or inside handle. The microswitch activates a relay which in turn activates the latch solenoid. The inside handle can even be moved to the original lock position which mechanically locks out the microswitch. I don't have any pictures, but if you have the pulldown outer handles like mine you can figure it out by watching the latch operation. I used some jamb contacts to connect the door wiring to the solenoid wiring. Like you I need to rig up some sort of override in case I have an electrical failure. On the inside, the latches are easily reached from the seat. For exterior releases I am planning on a sheathed cable with a pull handle coming out behind the cab corner. Don't forget a manual overide of your door locks if equipped. I will probably install overrides on one door only. The reason for the latch change was to get my wife to ride in the truck. During wheat harvest about 30 years ago she was riding in her dad's 49 ton and a half when the passenger door popped open going around a curve. Luckily she had her arm hanging out the window and was able to hang on with her feet swinging out in the air. She wasn't riding in my truck until I got rid of the original killer latches.

John