1952-59 Ford Bear claw Latches

You guys using the small or large? - thinking on changing and shaving the handles. original latches ****

 

I have the same issue as yours
Mine are also terrible. I'd like to see how people do it.

 

I Used the Original Latches.
I took the Latches Out of the Doors.
Cleaned & Disabled the Locking Mechanism.
Then I Made the Arm that Activated the Catch Longer so I would have more Leverage at the Latch.
Lube & Reinstalled. They seem to Work Fine.

 

I agree with Leadsledjim.
The latches are a bit of a pain to remove,but worth it. Ford factory latches are the best set up and you can rig them up for door poppers too. Bear claws are more ideal for the 50s Chevys because they have lousy latches.
Bear claws are to much work to install,plus you have to cut and modify the door and the door jam to get them in. My wife's 55 has them and she kind of regrets installing them. The Bear claws have NO adjustment. once they're welded in place,better hope the door closes on the money.

 

I was lucky enough to find a NOS latch for my driver door.. Then once I took the striker off and adjust the door to swing and close correct without being influenced by the latch. Adjusting the striker was easy.. Doors work great now.