Anyone changed to Bear Claws?

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Sep 7, 2011 | 08:21 AM

#16

thendrix

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 765

Likes: 4

From: Fairmount, Georgia

Altman laches for a 48 - 52,

Altman Easy Latches for Ford Trucks

Sep 7, 2011 | 10:26 AM

#17

fatfenders56

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 2,497

Likes: 5

From: Tucson AZ

I too used these latches, FEI when I first saw these latches about 20 years ago they were marketed to our shop as "bear jaws" don't know how or when that changed. At any rate I used the install kit from Rocky Hinge along with their latches and actuators and they are great, one of the things on this build that didn't have to be re-designed, although I did put the post on the door and the latch in the jamb. That was just to simplify the wiring, clean up the edge of the door and avoid having to notch the door panel for the post.

Sep 9, 2011 | 09:35 PM

#18

41Clay

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 948

Likes: 0

From: McAlester, OK

I do like the idea of using the origional door handles but does the Altman Easy Latch really bolt onto the outside of the door???

Sep 9, 2011 | 10:31 PM

#19

CharlieLed

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 8,093

Likes: 652

From: Brentwood, TN

It's not so much that they "bolt onto the outside of the door" as they bolt onto the mounting plate that either comes with the installation kit or one that you fabricate. IMO buying the plates already fabricated saves a ton of work and makes the install a lot cleaner. Here is a pic that shows the old section I cut out of the door (left), the original latch (center), and the new Altman latch with mounting plate (right). You just take the mounting plate and position over the area of the door where you want to place the Altman latch, sketch the outline of the plate, cut out the old door section, and weld in the new Altman plate. You could also bolt the plate in place but I personally prefer the weld-in option.

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Sep 9, 2011 | 11:40 PM

#20

Moe Craig

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 3,426

Likes: 48

From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)

Mine is a '49.... I like the idea of using my original handles so I think I'm really thinking about the Altman Easy Latch... the bolts are in the door jam not the outside of the door...