After reading everything I could find on replacing the door latches I spent the last couple of evenings working on mine. I'm using latches from a Colt Vista wagon. They are nice and compact and have more features than the aftermarket bear-claws.


Latch mounted in filler plate. Rod was cut and bent to line up with door handle.


Original lines of cut where pilot holes are drilled, had to expand to the red lines to get the latch in the door.


Rear shot of the cutout.


Mounted in door.


Striker mounted in jamb, I'm sure I will need to reinforce this a bit.


I originally cut the shaft off the handle and added a pawl where shown here. Handle is a little too loose this way. I'm going to redo with the uncut handle and gutted original latch to support the handle.I think I will eliminate the exterior front door locks and use solenoids, since it's a panel I'll keep the original back door lock for emergency entrance. I will use cable to attach to the inside handles.

The door now shuts very easily with minimal pressure. Really not a very hard job just takes a lot of planning.

 

Gdub, I think you did a good job illustrating your mod there. I am curious where you got the latch mech. Salvage or parts store? I know the latches on my 48 f4 are in rough shape.Nobody wants the door to pop open when they're toolin down Main street,or goin' around a corner. Good job.

 

I hate to admit it but the latches came from a car I used to own. It was an 89 Plymouth Colt Vista, it was made by Mitsubishi so the same latches are probably in any Mitsubishi from that era.

 

How does the pawl interface with the latch?

 

The rod in the first pic hooks into the pawl from the outside in. I'll get a picture of it and post it tomorrow.