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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 02:38 PM
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Opinions please

I have a 54 f350. There is only one outside door lock on the passengers side. Nothing on drivers side and no holes. I've had old fords before and they all had 2 outside locks, Am I missing something or getting senile ?
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 02:42 PM
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That's the way the rolled in those days. It was common (I guess) when bench seats were standard to lock the drivers door from the inside and slide out the passenger side, especially when parking on the street. Opening the driver door when parked in the street does have some risk. That's the story anyway. I suppose big trucks didn't get parked on the street too much, but lots of cars never had a driver side lock.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 05:02 PM
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Thanks Tedster, I guess my memory isn't that good anymore.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 05:26 PM
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What was the question again?
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 07:06 PM
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My F1 52 is the same way.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 10:12 PM
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The Deluxe cabs (53/54) and the Custom Cabs (55/56) had Locks on both doors. The Standard cabs had Locks only on the passenger door.

I really don't think Ford cared about drivers getting hit coming out their driver's door. It was a cost saving measure, pure and simple. In all of my Ford literature I have never seen anything in print about it being safe to exit the passenger door.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2019 | 11:55 PM
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Back then, very few streets had painted lines, traffic was chaotic with people weaving all over the place including into oncoming traffic.

Opening a left door was dangerous because a vehicle could come along and nail the door and the driver. Not pleasant!

The Big Sleep (WB:1946) with Bogie & Bacall. Several times during the film...Bogie, driving a 1938 Plymouth Business Coupe, slides across the seat, exits the passenger door.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2019 | 06:28 AM
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Being able to lock from the inside is something the Bear Claw replacements can't do. But it may be possible with some modification. Ford were ahead of the curve with a keyless door!
 
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Old Sep 22, 2019 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Justboy
Being able to lock from the inside is something the Bear Claw replacements can't do. But it may be possible with some modification. Ford were ahead of the curve with a keyless door!
If you are using the Altman locks you definitely need the power lock kit and that would also eliminate the need for the key lock on the drivers door but I had already added one to my drivers door..
 
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Old Sep 22, 2019 | 12:28 PM
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Not got hold of the F100 version but surely it is just a case of using a lift button? Unlikely you could use the door lever like the original. Or you think it's too difficult to make something neat?
 
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Old Sep 22, 2019 | 12:46 PM
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Weren't most trucks used in rural areas? I do not think Ford did this to prevent people from getting hit when exiting the truck.

So Ford thought owners of Custom Can trucks were expendable?

I doubt mygrandfather ever locked my 54 when he owned it.
 
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