The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Where did you get your bearclaws?

I want to put bearclaw latches on my 49 3100. Would like to keep the outside handles. I've seen a variety of latch sizes and quite a spread of prices. Whose would you recommend? Cutting and welding is not a problem so I've not considered the bolt-in type.

www.bowtiebits.com has them in stock.
Normbc9

I know welding doesn't phase you but I quite like these bear claws

I'll stick with originals just now but would consider these if the need arises.

i looked around trying to save some money but ended up going with the altman easy latch kit....saw for the first time in 2010 and was impressed.thought about it for a yr. and bought at the NSRA Nats this yr....i wanted to use my original handles and could not figure out how to do that...was dragging my feet because you cant lock the doors from the inside and i only have the one door lock on the passenger side..contacted the mfg. and they said yes i could install a lock on the drivers door as well...i'll just take them to a locksmith and have them keyed alike......also now if you're a Hamb alliance member,they're a vendor......dave

I used a set of large bear claws that I got off Amazon for $35. I decided to shave my door handles but to use the stock handles you can use a set of these to simplify matters. I came across a set of marine style locks that would allowyou to lock both doors. I'd looked long and hard at the Altman setup as well but figured that I could go this route for less than $100.

I've also researched latch kits and methods and that's what I'll be using (haven't bought any yet). The ones I've seen installed looked excellent, very professional, and worked perfectly smooth.

Grigg

Ordered latches from Windsor Fabrication. The guy doing my body work recommended these because he has used their stuff in the past. We will be re-using the original pull down handles on the outside. Windsor's phone number is 269-964-2128 they are in Battle Creek, MI.

I looked at the Windsor Fabrication site, is this what you're looking at?
http://www.hotrodssuperstore.com/19chevtrucbr.html

Wonder how they compare to the Altman kit if it's even an apples to apples thing?

I was impressed with how easy to install and professional looking the Altman kit is, made for the truck, no fabrication necessary like some other latch options.

Grigg

Hostess has pretty goood bear claws.

That's the kit. I haven't got it yet but the guy doing my body work has used it on several builds and says it's the one he prefers.