Bear claws
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Bear claws
Hi , I'm new to forum so here go's. I just installed Large Bear Claw latches on my 48 Ford pickup, instead of putting the latches on door and latch stricker on cab pillar, I drilled the alignment pin plate off cab pillar welded the 4 little holes then drilled pillar for bear claw latch. The claw fits great leaving lot of room for door acuators and keyed cable lock under cab. The stricker pin is put on door stricker leaving no pin to catch pants on getting in. Will put pictures on this weekend.Henry
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Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Cool, nice idea. I am awaiting the pics....... bear claws are on my to do list .......... which is several pages long and growing every day 
Are they after market latches...or robbed from the auto graveyard?
Are they after market latches...or robbed from the auto graveyard?
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,074
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From: Northwestern PA
Welcome to FTE Henry... I also liked the Idea of the latch in the pillar, here are a few pics of my installation.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...122861&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...122861&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...122861&width=0
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...122861&width=0
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle WA.
I did the same the pictures are in my gallery if your interested. Only real problem I have had is I removed the orginal Dove Tails from my pilars and put the Bear Claws there. This has caused my doors now rattle over bumps. I have thought about replacing them but sense my 51F1 is my only means of daily transportation it's been hard to take the time to work on it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
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From: Earth
I wanted to put my latches on the pillar instead of the door as well. While I ended up installing my striker pin on the pillar, I don't catch my clothes on it. My actuators fit great in the door, I just didn't like having to run wiring in the door jamb. 
Post the pictures up when you get a chance.
Post the pictures up when you get a chance.
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Yes I'm putting elec allthe way so keyfob will open door from outside but inside will have a switch next to window switch to open from inside and an keyed lock with cable that can open from under cab above running board.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Seattle WA.
Welcome to the Forum Henry, I just slide my hand down along the back of the pillar and catch the lever and pop them open. I plan on installing a mechanism like the orginal Corvettes use to open the doors when I get a headliner installed.
Originally Posted by merc546
So what happens when your inside and the battery dies?
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Bear Claw
I just installed a set of Altmans bear claw latches on my 56 (made for 56 only). One quick cut and bolt them in. Works like a charm! I also put a set of the new door rubbers on it. They are great. Soft like new car rubber.
Steve
Steve
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