Altman/Trique Latches in TF - Need Pic's & Have Questions

[Dan in Pasadena]

The body shop installed mine this week and they work flawlessly, BUT there are a couple problems I need your help/advice with. First, here's the pictures I have:





Question 1 - The holes at top and bottom align with existing factory holes but the threads in those holes aren't the same size/thred as the other holes. The countersunk set screw heads provided work absolutely fine in the other holes so I either have to re-tap the holes or find the same kind of countersunk stainless set screw with different size threads for these two holes. Anyone else have this issue?

Question 2 - Is the stock wrap-around door panel SUPPOSED to go over this plate? If so, I'd need to open up the factory hole in the door panel to let it sit flat over the three buttonhead set screws you see. But even then it looks odd because it doesn't entirely cover the Altman latch panel. The body man is suggesting maybe we need to cut off the portion of the door panel that "turns the corner" or wraps around the door. This doesn't sound correct to me at all.

Anyone with experience and especially photos of the finished install in a Task Force truck with the factory door panel I REALLY need to see yours and need your advice. Thanks, Dan

[57mich]

Here is a pic of mine from a few years back. I remember there was some cutting involved, not a big deal. I followed the instructions and didn't have any issues. I love them!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 57mich

Here is a pic of mine from a few years back. I remember there was some cutting involved, not a big deal. I followed the instructions and didn't have any issues. I love them!

Thanks, I guess I posted a minute too soon.

But your setup looks entirely different than mine - was yours done a long time ago or very recently? I ask because the panel they provided to me probably a year ago maybe 1-1/2 years ago is a lot smaller. The bent panel Altman supplied you is looong compared to mine and you installed it OVER the factory door panel it appears. Do I have that right?

[57mich]

Hi Dan,
I did the install about 2 years ago. You do have it right. The panel they sent went over the door panel. Take a look at their site, click on the 55-59 latches and a pic will come up, looks just like mine. I wonder if they sent you a panel for something else?????

[Rude Dude]

Dan the one that you got is if not using stock panel $349.95 The factory overlay is optional cost more at $379.95. They try to get you on every penny have your body man cut and make stock panel work

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Rude Dude

Dan the one that you got is if not using stock panel $349.95 The factory overlay is optional cost more at $379.95. They try to get you on every penny have your body man cut and make stock panel work

HOLY GUACAMOLE! Really? Cause $350 ain't enough?! Well, that sucks but ok, understood. I don't remember this overlay being an option but screw 'em. We'll cut the door panel and make it work good AND look good (I hope!)

Thanks. Once again, Rudy to the rescue. You ROCK, Rudy!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Wow, 71 looks and no one knows?

Ok, well still hoping for some help if anyone knows someone. I'll check other sites too I guess. - Dan

[Dan in Pasadena]

I’m bringing my old thread back to the top to ask an additional question. We are FINALLY ready to install the door latch actuators. But the actuator from the factory doesn’t work with the Altman latch. They don’t connect. How did you guys connect them? Did you use a bolt and nut?

EDIT:
Here’s a pic of what we’ve done so far - used a bolt. But this isn’t going to work because the bolt head sticks up too far and won’t allow the door panel to be screwed down tightly.

Since I posted this afternoon I came home and examined the factory latch and see the “bolt” with a sort of oval head and spring washerretainer. It is peened onto the factory latch so it’s looking like we’ll grind the peen off, drive out this “bolt” and spot weld it to the Altman latch which will then let it engage the factory door actuator. BUT, everyone who uses these couldn’t have done this. What am I missing?

[BIGglaSS]

Though, these are generic latches, you have to use a low profile button head bolt. Instead of a nut on the back, I used a rivet nut.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I've never used rivnuts or rivet nuts before. I don't think I've ever even seen one in person!

I'll do a quick search online to understand how they work, etc.

EDIT: Ok, now I know what we're talking about. I HAVE used those once before. The female portion is clinched onto the piece. How would you keep the male portion from backing out/loosening up over time? Just thread locker?