Anyone changed to Bear Claws?
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
Anyone changed to Bear Claws?
Have the new old door latches in the truck. A friend asked me about the bear claw latches.... Who and how does yours work? I've have been kicking around the idea for a while to convert to bear claws, but not shave the door... I like the look of door handles... been looking at ways of using things like a pivot bracket to use the door outside door handle, using a spring to return to rest.. also thought about making the outside just a stationary handle, instead using a micro switch or remote to unlatch the door... just need to pull it with the handle... To me the truck looks naked without a handle and it keeps the the paint job cleaner (less finger prints and scratches from jewelry or keys and finger nails).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs /Mesa AZ
Craig check my gallery. I did the bear claws, electric solenoids and hidden hinges.
____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
"Happiness: 3 pedals and a 5 speed"
____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
"Happiness: 3 pedals and a 5 speed"
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
Hi Mike, I know 48 Steel has them...how is the build going? Why did you mount yours so low is that where they recommended it? I'm thinking about leaving the stock inside type handle...
Anything you would recommend?
Anything you would recommend?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Midfifty sells the Altman latches that are designed for the 53-56 F100s and are a direct replacement (read, you can still use your stock door handles) for the original latch. I am not sure about the F1. I am using the Altman latches on my 56 with the stock outer door handles and I am really pleased with how well they work.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
I have the altman latches they installed super easy and works great. The only thing I would do different is to get the plain steel ones ans weld them in instead of getting the stainless steel ones. However I'm totally satisfied with the performance and the ease of closing.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Once you have the Altman latches you'll wonder why you ever put up with the stock setup. Here's a pic of what my door looked like when I installed the latch. Doing this install before final paint made it a lot easier...
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs /Mesa AZ
http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/r...ndbearclaw.jpg
______________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
That's cool! You installed them in your 55? I think I need to look at the Altman Easy Latch since they would allow me to use my stock interior and exterior handles... I think I will need to change my door seal first since it doesn't allow my door to close without slamming it... What door seals have everyone used on '48-52 model?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs /Mesa AZ
_____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,426
Likes: 48
From: Hot AZ (Phoenix Valley)
I took a month and a half off to do other projects but I am now back doing the fun stuff, body filling and sanding. If all goes well I should have it in primer by the time I head back down to AZ.
_____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
_____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
I purchased bear claws from Rocky Hinge and mated them to my stock inner and outer door handles. The linkage isn't very difficult to fab, I just used 3/4" flat steel for the rods and arms. A shop I was visiting advised me to go with the Rocky's, and not to go near Autoloc's. He said every thing that Autoloc makes is poor quality and they've had lots of come backs.