What is the reasoning behind converting to the bear claw latches? I have a 35 Dodge truck with original style latches.They seem to close solid and all.
Many of the older cars had door latches that only captured the striker on one side. If there was any body flex, the possibility of the door opening (while driving along) was pretty good. Very bad, especially if you have suicide doors. If yours seem to be working fine, keep them. Stu
I converted because my old latches were wore out, finding oem was expensive(ebay)converting to bear claw was practical. If your old latches work good, keep them.
In a time when original latches were hard to find and some had not so great designs anyway the bear claws, working like modern late model latches became the choice. Even with their limitations they were small and solid and relatively inexpensive. If your early latches are tight and the striker plates are good you'll have no problem especially since a modern boxed hot rod frame desn't flex like the old original frames do. Chrysler pioneered the next advance in door latches from the strike bolt/plate style with the rotary door latch in about 1940 or so. Most cars used these in the 50s-60s-70s until the claw/lock stud latches came around. While we're on the safety topic, install and use seatbelts in your rod. You can't be in control if you're not behind the steering wheel with your hands and feet at the controls. Just a simple lap belt will save you and your p***engers.
A friend of mine rolled his 34 Chevy in a freek accident.His wife was thrown out the door that had original latches that when the body flexed the latch skipped over the old striker.If he had bear claw latches possibly this wouldn't have happened.I have heard of similar accidents with the old latches not holding the door shut. I always use Bear claw latches for safety sake. The thought of a door flying open doesn't sound like a festive event to me.
I have a 37 Dodge pickup and changed to the mini bear claw latches even though the original latches were in good shape. I had also thought of a way to make the original 2-step striker "act" like or function similar to a bear claw. However, what finally convinced me to make the change to bear claw latches was that the series of small rubber and metal wedges and shims that are used around the door of the cab, were no longer available. - em
Speedway Motors, I got mine there and they have 2 sizes, small & large, I used them because when building my 29 roadster I flipped the hinges to suicide doors. I want them to stay closed!!! I've got the small ones because they are only about 1 1/2 inches wide. I made my own mounting plates and striker pin plates, took time but they came out looking like they were born there. I think I paid about $49.00. Well worth it. I can E-mail you some pics if you want. oldschool66
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