I remember someone mentioning about an alternative to bear claw latches that could be found in the junkyard. What cars are good donors for these? I need something that is heavy enough to work in a 40 dodge door, not sure if a mini latch would work. thanks later shawn
Hell, you can use almost anything...I had an old Cavalier POS that someone blew up in my yard....took the latches out and put them in my 46 Chevy. Probably less work than Bearclaws. AND you don't have to 'notch' the door panels.
used door latches from a 93 dodge mini van on a 51 chevy truck. you can close the doors with finger push.
Check your local RV guys. The bear claw style latches are similar to the ones used in campers and RVs. A whole lot cheaper too!!
look for double hook rotary latches (bear claw) they sell new for 8 bucks retail and the pin adds one dollar. I get mine from the company that supplies freightliner. they're everywhere
I used a pair from a Yugo. Not exactly easy to find, but super heavy duty steel construction. Fit in my 50 'Burb. These things are bulletproof!
I have a 41 Dodge Business Coupe..the latches I installed was from a 91 Dodge Dynasty, I used the rear door models for personal reason of choice.... Of course this may not be relevant to you as I have shaved outer handles...thus I cannot advise beyond what I did... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0001.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0005.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0004.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0006.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0008.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0009.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v79/bigaadams/2006_0601Image0010.jpg since the last picture I went back with the original solid bar to connect to the latch and have ground and finished the weld... Use the post from the Dynasty..plate and pedestal a must..this shut with a light push one finger..very smooth.
'80-s Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon....you get 4 latches at a time [as most were all 4 drs].....they work well and usually real cheap.
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