Poorly illustrated door latch upgrade
After reading everything I could find on replacing the door latches I spent the last couple of evenings working on mine. I'm using latches from a Colt Vista wagon. They are nice and compact and have more features than the aftermarket bear-claws.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256986&.jpg Latch mounted in filler plate. Rod was cut and bent to line up with door handle. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256985&.jpg Original lines of cut where pilot holes are drilled, had to expand to the red lines to get the latch in the door. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256989&.jpg Rear shot of the cutout. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256987&.jpg Mounted in door. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256988&.jpg Striker mounted in jamb, I'm sure I will need to reinforce this a bit. https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...id=256990&.jpg I originally cut the shaft off the handle and added a pawl where shown here. Handle is a little too loose this way. I'm going to redo with the uncut handle and gutted original latch to support the handle.I think I will eliminate the exterior front door locks and use solenoids, since it's a panel I'll keep the original back door lock for emergency entrance. I will use cable to attach to the inside handles. The door now shuts very easily with minimal pressure. Really not a very hard job just takes a lot of planning. |
Gdub, I think you did a good job illustrating your mod there. I am curious where you got the latch mech. Salvage or parts store? I know the latches on my 48 f4 are in rough shape.Nobody wants the door to pop open when they're toolin down Main street,or goin' around a corner. Good job.:-jammin
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I hate to admit it but the latches came from a car I used to own. It was an 89 Plymouth Colt Vista, it was made by Mitsubishi so the same latches are probably in any Mitsubishi from that era.
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How does the pawl interface with the latch?
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The rod in the first pic hooks into the pawl from the outside in. I'll get a picture of it and post it tomorrow.
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