When I decided to install a bear claw style latch assembly , I thought I'd post some pictures as I went along. Not that there isn't posts out with some , but another one cant hurt .. I started with a set off of ebay ( mini cat claw) lol that's not a knock off is it ... and was vary happy with the quality and function. And really, if it was wrapped in a name brand box , you wouldn't tell the difference... Now where my installation is different, is that my coupe has a 5" chop . So that gave me some more room in the door than most ( my window doesn't need to roll all the way down to clear the window opening) .
If you notice in picture #3 , you'll see the bottom of the glass frame ... when my window is rolled down, that is as far as it will go . That's also why I did away with the window track , allowing me to mount the latch further in and flush with the door .
I would imagine that most guys modify the old latch assembly like I did , in order to use the stock handle. If you notice I had to lengthen the the arm a little more to help get the rod further out and away from the latch .. I needed more room for the bell crank coming .. All thread rod and little threaded barrel's with a stud work great in this situation... ( wish I had enough laying around cor the other side)
This is where I'm leaving this for the night .. I need to acquire the parts to make a nice bell crank , I only wanna do it one time ... But I moved onto the B pillar where the striker will go
I shut the door and closed the latch so I could mark the center of the striker hole . Drilled a hole all the way through the post , and held the striker plate in place with a screw driver so I could draw the outline ...
It took awhile to chisel a pocket in the wood just right to fit the striker plate ... came out great! . Look out "This Old House"... hahaha....
Nice job. Lower mounting probably has its benefits. A buddy had a 32 with bear claw latches and we both would get our belt loops on our pants hood on the B pillar peg of the latch. Annoying as hell. You may have just avoided that scenario. I look forward to the rest of your pic's when you are ready..
It's already happening... I was in and out of the car today while I was mounting the under dash pedal assembly, and I snagged myself a few times ...uggg
Done for the most part . I'll have to go in and weld up a spot ( you can all see where,lol) . I plan on doing the inside handle with a cable of some kind .... just gotta do the other one now ....
I would like to thank you also - this too is why I joined da H.A.M.B. Good work sir and thanks for the post Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Great thread.... Thanks for the pictures.... I'm getting ready to put a set in my model a sedan.... You just made my job a lot easier.... Bill
I almost for got .... you can see in this picture the barrels .... they are furniture hardware from ACE . I put them in my drill press and used a file to turn them down ... way faster than setting up a lathe .
Thanks guys ... I think some don't post things out of fear of being shamed on there execution or fab skills ... I personally dont have that problem.. And pictures are way more helpful than words ( imo) , when it comes to things like this ... Next week will be the inner handle...
Isn't the nut for the bell crank going to keep your door panel from fitting right? The nut is going to hold the panel out in that area.
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