Bearclaw Latch Install
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Joined: Apr 2002
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51ford,
ALERT - Ferguson777 actually has a serious question.
What the reason for doing the install opposite to the norm?
I remember someone in here was planning to put his interior handles on the posts rather than the doors. Was that you? If not, then what's the reason for your method?
Thanks,
ALERT - Ferguson777 actually has a serious question.
What the reason for doing the install opposite to the norm?
I remember someone in here was planning to put his interior handles on the posts rather than the doors. Was that you? If not, then what's the reason for your method?
Thanks,
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by al37ford
Looking to do the same bear claw latches with my '49 F-47 (canadian made F-100) and using stock, mechanical handles out & in and just wondering which brand is the best fit and/or easiest install??
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From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by ferguson777
51ford,
ALERT - Ferguson777 actually has a serious question.
What the reason for doing the install opposite to the norm?
I remember someone in here was planning to put his interior handles on the posts rather than the doors. Was that you? If not, then what's the reason for your method?
Thanks,
ALERT - Ferguson777 actually has a serious question.
What the reason for doing the install opposite to the norm?
I remember someone in here was planning to put his interior handles on the posts rather than the doors. Was that you? If not, then what's the reason for your method?
Thanks,
If the door install would have been the only option, I probably would have left the stock latches in it. I felt that it would be to easy to jimmy the door with the latch inside. Buy putting them in the pilar you have so many more creative options on how and where you want to install the emergency door opening cable. Also, this install requires no wires being run into the doors. On this application I liked the way the indentation in the door where the dove tail is mounted, was a perfect spot for the striker. By using the 1/4" steel plate and welding it to the inside of the door made it a lot stronger. Once I removed the dove tail unit in the pillar I only had to do some minor grinding to make the latch fit. I did the total latch install in about 7 hours.
Hope this helps, if I can be of any further assistance, or you would like more pictures let me know.
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From: Seattle WA.
One thing I forgot to mention, with this install everything being stock, there is an easy access point to minipulate the latch to gain access. That is all I can say without tipping my hand. If you install in this manner that should also become appearent to you.
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From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by AXracer
I really doubt there is much difference in them, probably all made by the same manufacturer that makes them for OEM. The product liability insurance would be prohibitive for most companies unless the volume is high enough. There are two sizes tho.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
The standard size would be most appropriate for our trucks, the small size might be used for a T or A roadster or other vehicle with thin doors or for custom applications.
PS: I believe bearclaw is a generic name for this type latch mechanism rather than a manufacturer's name.
I think Autopower makes an electrical switch mechanism you could attach your stock inside handles to. They sell it for the window crank for power windows but it should work for the door as well.
PS: I believe bearclaw is a generic name for this type latch mechanism rather than a manufacturer's name.
I think Autopower makes an electrical switch mechanism you could attach your stock inside handles to. They sell it for the window crank for power windows but it should work for the door as well.
Last edited by AXracer; Jan 18, 2005 at 11:50 AM.
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From: Limestone, TN
For the emer opening George Wilk of Wilk-Bilt Cars has a box that mounts under the vehicle with a built in key lock. When you unlock and remove the cover there is a pull handle that releases the door. It is good enough to stop an honest person and even a stupid person but a experienced theif is going to brake the window and hot wire and drive. I believe the only hope you got against this is the keyed remote switch that kills the ignition hot wires.
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302 because, when I want to go fast, I go to work"
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"I drive a 'girly'
302 because, when I want to go fast, I go to work"
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From: Michigan
I don't believe they make a bearclaw latch that will work with a stock door handle such as the 53/56 F100. The ones that I have and all the ones that I have seen all have square hole for a twist type exterior handle.
Chuck
Chuck
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From: Iowa
Chuck
I think the other Chuck is suggesting a microswitch rigged to the stock handle button, which would trigger a more traditional lock solenoid.
I agree, a mechanical creation to do it would not be an easy thing to invent.
I think the other Chuck is suggesting a microswitch rigged to the stock handle button, which would trigger a more traditional lock solenoid.
I agree, a mechanical creation to do it would not be an easy thing to invent.
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From: Michigan
Dewayne
I guess your right I had my mind made up about the outside handles. Thats one of the reasons that I don't have outside handles now, but I do have interior mechanical handles
I don't like electrical actuated interior handles and in case of a accident I want my interior handles within easy reach but of coarse having no exterior handles may not be one of my brighter ideas (in case of a accident) it just looks so cool so I guess that over rides good judgement.
By the way rear speaker location looks good.
Chuck
I guess your right I had my mind made up about the outside handles. Thats one of the reasons that I don't have outside handles now, but I do have interior mechanical handles
I don't like electrical actuated interior handles and in case of a accident I want my interior handles within easy reach but of coarse having no exterior handles may not be one of my brighter ideas (in case of a accident) it just looks so cool so I guess that over rides good judgement.
By the way rear speaker location looks good.
Chuck
Last edited by merc546; Jan 18, 2005 at 07:09 PM.
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From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by AXracer
The standard size would be most appropriate for our trucks, the small size might be used for a T or A roadster or other vehicle with thin doors or for custom applications.
PS: I believe bearclaw is a generic name for this type latch mechanism rather than a manufacturer's name.
I think Autopower makes an electrical switch mechanism you could attach your stock inside handles to. They sell it for the window crank for power windows but it should work for the door as well.
PS: I believe bearclaw is a generic name for this type latch mechanism rather than a manufacturer's name.
I think Autopower makes an electrical switch mechanism you could attach your stock inside handles to. They sell it for the window crank for power windows but it should work for the door as well.
I used the smaller latch in my 51. I tried the larger units but they would have required a lot more pillar modification.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Agua Dulce, So. Calif.
Originally Posted by al37ford
Looking to do the same bear claw latches with my '49 F-47 (canadian made F-100) and using stock, mechanical handles out & in and just wondering which brand is the best fit and/or easiest install??
If you come up with a good system to have the electric doors and retain the handles let me know I want to have this for at least the driver side non lockable door. I did measure the pull needed to pull the stock mechanism is it is and it will take about 37 lbs. and I think the latching mechanism will need to be modified so the electric pull would work with the inside latch had in lock position. I have not studied it enough but put some thought while I was fixing the mechanisms. ed ke6bnl@juno.com