The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Need pwr door lock information...

I am really struggling with a way to install power door locks on my '50 GMC Panel Truck. I'm using stock latches/strikes. Don't want or need any kind of popper or "door opener"...just to lock and unlock the doors. I feel the problem lies in that the locking lever is the same part used as the latch release lever. While we are on the subject, what have any folks out there had success with, in regards to running the wires/completing the circuit between the doors and the pillars. I'm really not excited about using door jamb contacts where the circuit is open when the door is opened; and the hinge action angle seems too extreme for flexible conduits. Any successful experiences would be appreciated!!

I wish you were getting more response because I'm wondering about the same thing...

Since its a mechanical issue as much as an electrical issue I'm going to pose the question in the lounge and see if anyone can help.

Your door won't shut if locked before closing so it wouldn't matter if the curcuit was broken with the door open. To be effective on ADs you'll probably need to go with a remote transmitter. If you lock your doors with a button before you get out you'll still have to unlock one manually to get out then relock it with a key. LMC Truck sells a kit with transmitter but I don't remember the price and I don't have the catalogue with me.

Yer right about the replys. This is somewhat an electrical problem (wires through the door jambs), but this is mostly a mech problem.
Any kind of solenoid to "push" the lever into latch position has to deal with the issue that it will get pulled alot in the other direction when the door is opened. I was registered last fall as "Picklebus", but lost all my data when my computor crapped out. During those discussions, got lots of interesting suggestions, but not anything that is even close to being feasible. Anybody out there have any kind of power locks installed with stock latches?
Steve

I'm still interested in this... I'd love to hear from anyone who has made it work.

Last night I thought I had it figured out but last nights answer doesn't make sense today...