The previous owner installed aftermarket bear claw latches on my 47 Plymouth. The installation utilizes the factory outer door handles. The inside door release handles operate correctly, EXCEPT with the door lock/unlock function. I removed the door panels this weekend. I'm not impressed. All of the linkages were fabricated very poorly. I would like to update the installation with some modern hardware. I can use the existing bear claw latches, but I need to replace everything between them and the door handle, plus I need to install a manually-controlled inside door-lock actuator. Can anyone recommend any sources for hardware to facilitate this sort of installation? I know about Rocky Hinge, any others out there? Thanks in advance for advice and recommendations.
I had to build all the internal door stuff on my sedan because I decided to use all the stock handles in the stock location.
I'm trying to nut out a way to use the original sliding mechanism to trigger the bear claw in my 36 Tudor project, I'd be interested in any ideas, or advice from someone thats already done it.
I've just fitted a pair of bearclaws in a '48 Chevy Pickup using the original push type exterior handles . I had to fab everything , very time consuming and very fiddly work . I fitted a pivot on the inside of the bearclaw to mount the fabbed lever that the ext handle pushes. then a rod from the pivot to the release lever on the bearclaw. No pics sorry ... fingers n knuckles were too torn up to hold a camera! .
Can you fit a short lever facing up or down to the shaft of your stock exterior handle , then run a horizontal rod to a bellcrank with a rod back to the release lever on the bearclaw? .
probably off the subject a bit. I put my bear claws on the B-pillar and the pin on the door. I have solinoids on the latch. I took those power window switches that use the stock handle to trip the solinoids. it works and looks stock. I also have a little 3/8 inch lever on the latch for a safety in case of power failure if I'm inside
I could do that but the interior stock mechanism wouldn't function. I think I might have worked out a plan last nite over a few beers.. If it works I'll get some pics.
We just purchased the bear claws from SOUTHERN RODS. I was dismayed to find there is no prvovision whatsoever to lock the doors. Everyone keeps telling me to use solenoids on our 48 DeSoto 4dr. Hell, if I did that, why bother with the bear claws? I can figure out a bell crank mechanism for the inside manual lock, it's the exterior key lock that presents the problem. I will be watching this thread..........
Here are some pictures of what I did on my 38 Plymouth to retain both inteior and exterior door handles. I ended up with both the original latch and the bear claw. The triming of the bear claw to get it welded to the original latch took alot of fiddling around for the first one but the next three went quicker. I can take some pictures of the install in the car if anyone is interested.
I would like to see more pictures as I am going to put bear claws in my 36 Nash. Thanks, torch123 My email is rtorch@live.com
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