Almost anything that DOES NOT come from a Hoffman Group company. If it is being sold from a Portland Oregon location be extra cautious. Search Hoffman for more info
I've heard some Hoffman stories and some make me go Hmmm. I have them in Customer cars as well as my own. I've modified some owner installed units and corrected things to where they actually are OK now. I have a feeling some installers don't fully understand what they are doing. For me, I try to make the full travel of new solenoid equal full travel of said door latch. That usually takes some kind of Bell Crank. So far so good. The ones in my 51 are now 10 years Old and a friends 55 has some just turned 18. Now I suppose they can start Smoking. I'll also add I never use any Cables in my systems. It's all hard rods for positive movement. The Wizzard
Chuckle, chuckle, it's just a Gut feeling that comes over me some times. Does that ever happen to you?
only need ones strong enough move interior latch to open position - not like you are lifting the car. but, do need to get the spring loaded pushers that do the actual popping of door to open . search here for more input, lots of options - for a good quality kit look at the Electric-Life 40 lb kit, and get their door jammers that put the poppers closer to door jam - expensive but, work.
The 50's way, 6V VW's and 6V GM work great on 12V - BAM! The real ticket is mod the windwing latch so it looks locked when it's not, then just reach thru and open the door without fail!
I replaced the latches in my '54 with bear claw latches that have the solenoid built right into them. From Rocky Hinge. Works great for me.
I used auto lock 45 lb solenoids on my 53 and had to remove the interior door handle to make it all work I will see if I can dig up some pics no promises tho
The Jalopy Journal
