does anyone know if you can use your original outside door handles with the Speedway latches? thanks for any input.
Bear claw latches typically are designed for heavy equipment cabs. That said, I'm sure it could be done on some vehicles, however, it's going to require some fabrication.
Isn't there a HAMB guy selling bc latches right here? I got a great deal on the Trique latches and it was a top five improvement to my 1949 Chevy truck.
Maybe I'm spoiled by the era and makes of cars I do, but I'd take the mega spring huge catch OG stuff over some janky import latch any day. Most catch by nearly ½" and I'll submit that if your doors flex that much there's a problem. Panera Bread has awesome bear claws tho...
The Altman's are advertised as bolt in. The rest will require fabrication. I second the Trimark recommendation. Many of the early doors are very thin and the connection from the handle to the latch can be very interesting as well as either cutting an access panel in the door or having someone with really small hands to install the parts.
This is another quality product: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...r-claw-style-latches-and-install-kits.924738/ Or here: https://www.hotrodlatches.com/Default.asp I suspect seller could give handle hookup advice, also.
Just be aware that some of the off brand mini bear claw latch are only rated to hold your lunch box closed. Sure the bigger ones require a slight bulge in an early door ,but only slight.
thanks so far, working on a 50 Plymouth tudor,...mite be able to fix the original latches, haven't messed with them yet, no one makes a bear claw specific kit for this car.
Carolina Custom has everything you need to do the job and retain your original handles. I used these on my 41 plymouth and are using them on a 34 Ford, as well. Call Steve and he will help you make sure you get what you need. https://www.carolinacustom.com/pages/main_pages/online_store_page/online_store_page.jsp
This is me and my latches. If you want quality made in USA parts for good price contact me. You can use your stock handles if you want. It will require some fabrication to connect the handle motion to operate the latch release lever. With the window channel, the linkage may need to go down and then back up. My latches will work in any orientation, so whatever mounting gives easiest linkage is fine for the latch. You can also hook up the latch to the inner handle as well, with appropriate fabrication and connection. I have the installation kit parts as well if you need those. I keep all parts in stock and ready to ship when you determine what you want to order.
Sam, does the 50 Plymouth have a drivers side key door lock? I'm not sure when Mopar added the driver side key lock. Without the outside key lock, the drivers door is locked from inside the car, and the p***enger side has the only outside door lock. Most aftermarket latch ***emblies do not have door locks. If you car does not have the outside lock, and you want to keep the ability to lock the door from inside, you will have to stay with an OEM latch. www.vintagepowerwagon.com has replacement door latches that have the functioning door lock. I believe the latches from the cars and trucks interchange up to the point of the outside key lock.
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