I did a search and found nothing on what I'm about to ask. Can you install "bearclaw latches" on a 32 Ford five window coupe and still retain the original outside and inside door handles? If somebody has done this,, please chime in. Pictures would also be gratly appreciated. Also which works better, the small Bearclaws or the big ones? Thanks in advance,,,,, Ernie
I saw a tech on installing them a couple of years ago, it was a video.......custom and chrome or some site like that. Someone will remember better than me.
Yes, I put bear claws in my '34 pickup. I don't have any pics, but here's what I used. Use the small latches. I still had to make a z in the post on the outside handle to clear the windows. http://www.carolinacustom.com/pages/product_pages/door_latch_hardware/door_latch_hardware_page.jsp
I'm sure it can be done and has been done, but the amount of work that would be involved to clear the window frame would and to rework the latch area would be extremely time consuming. We have looked into for one of the cars that p***ed through the shop and decided that it wasn't worth all the extra work a stock latch that is rebuilt and working properly is all you really need. spend the time on other areas of the car. they do offer reproduction 5 window latches now. Just my two cents.
Thanks guys,,, not what I was hoping to hear but like "rexrogers" said, "Spend the time on other areas of the car". I will worry about that another time close to the end of the build and now do the other more important areas that need attention. Thanks again,,,, Ernie
What was that site that Scratch ran with the tech video's?? It had it in that, wasnt allot of work, they used the stock mech to activate the bear claw.
I am also in the process of attempting my first installation of bear claw latches, in a 32 ford pickup. I ***ume the same issues are present in either of the builds, slim doors and window channels. I've done quite a bit of searching and the best I've found so far is this old post from 2006. It took me a while to study the pictures and text, but it looks like a workable system. I had already bought Rocky Hinges from their display at the Nats in Louisville last summer, and I also bought their cable actuator for the outside door handle. Still don't know if the cable deal will fit in there too, or if it will make it easier or harder. Here is a link to the old post, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101044&showall=1 Good luck Bill
Thanks Bill; very informative and plenty of pictures on that old post. I was begining to think I was going to give up that Idea Thanks again,,,,,,,,, Ernie
I did what you describe on a model A I built. Because the early 30’s doors are so narrow there’s just almost no room (as you know im sure). Basically I ended up running a cable system around the door gl*** to the outside handle. Using - small cable - hard brake line - bell crank - strait solid rod. I would never do it again … many hand built small parts … stock latches looked real good by the time I got done.
Did a small post on installing bear claws in a A, at http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=533058&highlight=bear+claw The attached picture is the view from the inside front of the door looking at the latch, bell crank and linkage as well as the linkage going to the inside handle. The original outside handle and door locks are retained. Can post more details if it is any help. Canuck
Theres a set of door latches on feebay right now buy it now for around $130 they are 32 tudor sedan but only difference is the length of the rod that runs from the release to the latch........................easy fix. Wish I couldve bought them 2 months ago before I pieced a set of latches together. Bear claws can be done but once they go in there aint no going back to stock.
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