Opinions please
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Perkasie
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 ?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,346
Likes: 5,371
From: Central PA
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.
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.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
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.
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.
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 535
Likes: 42
From: Scotland
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!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,380
Likes: 8,175
From: northwestern Ontario
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..
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 535
Likes: 42
From: Scotland
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?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,346
Likes: 5,371
From: Central PA
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.
So Ford thought owners of Custom Can trucks were expendable?
I doubt mygrandfather ever locked my 54 when he owned it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Oval_obsessed
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 18, 2018 06:33 AM