1950 latch and lock?

[PDW HOTRODS]

This is from the Trique Manufacturing web site.
"While all of our latches can be locked from the outside using your stock lock cylinders, you can not lock your Altman Easy Latch from the inside by pushing the handle forward."

I have a 1950 with turn down handles, does anyone know what to do to lock the truck if using this kit? It has outside lock on pass side only and this kit will not let you lock from inside. Any one have luck with regular bear claw latches?

[b-mac]

I'm torn on this too. I know some people have done some engineering to get their stock setup to work with Bear Claws.

It's so complicated, that I'm thinking about going with Bear Claws with electric locks. But then there's the wiring through the door...ugh...

I wish I knew the easy answer. Maybe someone smart will chime in.

[b-mac]

Oh, also I recall that in 1950, you were supposed to slide your a$$ across the bench and climb out the passenger (curbside). Then lock your door.

[_Ogre]

can you mount a pass door handle on the drivers side?

[wolffcub]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

can you mount a pass door handle on the drivers side?

If you have a push button style type then you can install a locking key cylinder on either or both sides. They sell replacement kits with two locking cylinders.

[jweb]

Look at this build, post #108. He did I nice job adding some power locks.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=646646&page=5

[mr48chev]

I've never studied an Altman lock but are there provisions in the left side lock to lock it with a key if perhaps a person cut the piece that holds the lock out of a junk right side donor door and welded it into the left door and used a proper to the model right side lock?

That wont help the it's all painted an done but it might work for those in the building process.

[b-mac]

To Mr.48's point, I think a hole could easily be filed out to the correct size also. This is a good idea, and I might just try it.

But with both the interior handle, and the exterior key, I think everything is going to be backward, and it will take some engineering.

[whitedog76]

What’s the whole point of Bear Claw/ Altman’s? To me, it seems like a lot of work with little reward.

[ozzie50]

I have a 1950 GMC and use the Altman's latch. They sell brackets for power locks just for pre 1951. Bought a door actuator kit for eBay for about 15 bucks and done. I went ahead and put it on both sides. Originally, I was only going to put the power lock on the drivers side. But it went relatively smoothly so I did both sides.

When I was researching this topic. Trique said you could modify your drivers door to accept a key cylinder. This would be way more work then adding the power lock kit.

If you go this route here is a hint. Buy a actuator kit for four doors. It is not much more and the hardest part I had was getting the connecting rods bent right. (gives you a couple to mess up on).

[b-mac]

Originally Posted by ozzie50

If you go this route here is a hint. Buy a actuator kit for four doors. It is not much more and the hardest part I had was getting the connecting rods bent right. (gives you a couple to mess up on).

Ozzie, most of the kits I see look like this


Would you need the connecting rod?

[b-mac]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

What’s the whole point of Bear Claw/ Altman’s? To me, it seems like a lot of work with little reward.

Whitedog, I'm not sure. I hear the OEM latches on the ADs are junk and will fly open when cornering. Maybe you can confirm or deny? I have never driven my truck. I haven't painted the cab yet, but I'm getting close, and I need to decide quickly if I want to do this mod.

[whitedog76]

Originally Posted by b-mac

Whitedog, I'm not sure. I hear the OEM latches on the ADs are junk and will fly open when cornering. Maybe you can confirm or deny? I have never driven my truck. I haven't painted the cab yet, but I'm getting close, and I need to decide quickly if I want to do this mod.

To be honest, I can't confirm or deny anything. On my 54, the doors shut and stay shut very well. On a personal level, I don't see the need in my case. Of course, yours is the earlier style, I can see where the pull down style handles may be an issue. I know on my Grandpa's old ride, I recall him opening and shutting, reaching out the window to mess with the handle quite often. That was of course on a well weathered truck. I've had similar issues on even more modern rides. I had a Freightliner that I tied the passenger door shut on. I got tired of messing with it.

If you're doing body work and think you may want to upgrade, I guess the best time is before the paint goes on. My blood would boil if I had a freshly put together truck and the doors wouldn't stay shut.

On the HAMB, I do remember a gentleman saying that his wife fell out of the truck while cornering. I don't think I want to see that. (I turned the governor up on my golf cart and had a similar incident with my daughters. Luckily not on the road.) On the other hand I've been in Jeeps and Buggies with no doors. Seat belts seem to be the prerequisite there.

Anyhow, sorry about the rambling. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if what you have works, I don't see the need to change it.