If you look on their website and study the latch you will notice that on some applications that slot is used for a release handle if you don't have or want to use the factory handles. Almost all the trucks cover the slot with a door panel.

 

Interesting. I don't work on the F1 series so I have never had this experience. That said, I have installed the Altman latches on my 40 Ford coupe and I ran into a similar problem. The window channels are welded in place on the 40 so I had to make those brackets "removable" to make the room needed to install the latch mechanism.

 

Yep, I was going to do the same but was able to remove the latch linkage and get it to fit. When both latches bent apart and self destructed I was going to do it then but got pissed when I could not get a response or help from Altman after several phone calls and emails so I rebuilt and fixed the design flaws, forced them back in place until I change to suicide doors and go with a beefier dual claw latch.

*It is possible the breakage problem I had was user inflicted (not sure how) so I don't want to throw them under the bus for the product, just customer service or lack their of!

Kevin
LFD

 

While we are on the subject, Trique Mfg is offering a holiday discount of 20% https://www.triquemfg.com/bolt-on-be...eid=2a0a5e3f76
That is a $50 savings off the F100 latches for OEM external door handles! Use the discount code "THANKFUL" when ordering.

 

Have you done any shaved door handles Charlie and know how to get the actuators to work properly. I have 40lb actuators and double cabled them to my bare claws and they don't always release the door unless I push on the door, I'm thinking my weather stripping is too stiff and putting too much pressure on the claws to release..

 

No I don't use the shaved handles but I do use the power locks. Many times a door popper is necessary but in your case it sounds like that is not the solution to your issue. I always use the hollow core weatherstripping, it seems to allow the door to close easier and seals very nicely. I did put a 50 lbs actuator on the trunk latch on my 40 Ford coupe...it has hydraulic actuators to assist in lifting the trunk lid so all works well in that case.

 

I may have to change the weather stripping on the panel I guess, how would you go about removing the old weather stripping just pull it off then use the 3M adhesive remover to clean things up..?

 

Before today I would have said to just pull it off and scrape off the residual glue. But now I would try pulling the weatherstrip out a bit from the door and squirting some of the adhesive remover in between the weatherstrip and the door. This stuff works so well at softening the adhesive that it may be enough to allow you to pull the adhesive off with the stripping. Anything that makes this task easier is worth a try.

 

I'm going to get me some Charlie and new weather stripping and do this hopefully before next spring.. thanks