1952-59 Ford Door Latch Recommendation for 1956 Victoria

Both of my original door latches on my 56 2 door Victoria HT are really starting to fail. They won't latch half of the time.

What would be the best way to solve this problem? Can the original latches be rebuilt or should I try to convert the latches over to a bear claw style? If so, are there any kit recommendations that are quality units?

Thanks!

 

On my 59 I took them out and cleaned them really good. Then I lubed them with a spray can of dry film lube and they work fantastic.

 

I had to have my left one repaired. The guy did some internal welding and it can’t be repaired again. I thought there were some being repoped…check with Larry’s Thunderbird; I know he lists new 56 Thunderbirds at approx $100.

 

I was wondering the quality of the new ones. Maybe I will buy one to start and see how good it is before buying the other.

 

I replaced the latches in my 56 with bear claw latches from Rocky Hinge Co in OH. The only problem is the body man told me you can't use the stock outside handles with their latches so I put in electric poppers, the inside handles work fine.
I called them on the phone, told them what I needed and they sent it to me, around $100.
I've had the latches on my car for a few years and they work fine.
https://www.rockyhinge.com/bear-claw-latches-and-installation-kits-1.html

 

I think there is a how to on them in one of the other forums. As in rebuilding.

 

I almost couldn't find it.

Also note that if you find a 4 door parts car the rear might work better and have the self locking, lock out https://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=9537.msg96067#msg96067

https://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=6582.msg54596#msg54596

 

also you want to pay up for it, check with Larry's maybe they do other models??
https://www.larrystbird.com/product/b21813i-front-door-latch-rebuild/

mostly posting this for my self as I have one door on the wagon that started acting up and the hardtop is so shady.
any I forget how to search for that one and lose the link.

 

Thanks for the information.

I’m trying to figure out what is actually happening to them. There doesn’t seem to be much play in the star wheel. I wonder if the star wheel is wearing down. I may need to just take them out to get a good look at them.

 

The references Abe made to the 57Fordsforever forum are for '57 latches. 56's I'm sure are different.........don't know if any info will crossover. In one of the 2016 threads Abe linked to, after my post, is one talking about adapting rear door latches, but once again, that's for '57s because they are not being repoped.