'53 Door Handle,Lock and Closer Options???

[CharlieSheen]

I am building a cab-off project for a daily driver for a truck that will be used every day for construction work.I would imagine that the door will be opened and closed maybe 100 times everyday.It will also need to be locked up when necessary.It is very important to me that the doors operate as problem free as a modern truck door.I am leaving the option open for not using turn down handles.

I am not someone who considers power windows a must...however,I know it is a pain in the butt when someone outside the truck on the passenger side tries to get your attention and speak to you...then you have to lean over and roll down the window.Maybe I should plan on power windows???

These things are one aspect I haven't given much thought on in this project.I need a plan and some advice on this.The fabrication and welding necessary are within my abilities.Thanks!

[Advanced Design]

One option for door latch is the Altman Easy Latch.
http://www.triquemfg.com/Altman-Easy...ck-p/ael08.htm

[CharlieSheen]

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

One option for door latch is the Altman Easy Latch.
http://www.triquemfg.com/Altman-Easy...ck-p/ael08.htm

That looks like a very well made kit.Just so you folks know,I consider door and window function to be probably my highest priority on this build,probably higher than any creature comfort,so if someone is talking $400 for a bullet proof door strike,I'm not opposed to it.

But,I also guess that I have to consider the power windows/locks/keyless thing into it,as one project.Believe me,I drive a truck like a truck,and forget to lock the doors most of the time,but I don't think I can afford to be careless with this truck,as I am sure it will probably attract attention while I am away from it.Truck will probably see about 400 miles of travel per week in highly populated areas and parking lots.

All help here is greatly appreciated.Thanks AD.

[msaintg]

ya, I would agree... Easy latches / bear claw latches are the way to go if you want a modern functioning door. You will have to do something custom to get them to lock, so adding electric locks with electric windows would definitely help.

I went with the bear claw latches and found them very easy to install. I do not lock my doors, so I can't speak on that part.

[_Ogre]

new stock latches work too, they worked for the first 60 years

[CharlieSheen]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

new stock latches work too, they worked for the first 60 years

Fair enough,but I tend to believe that the bear claw style latch has superceded earlier designs and become standard for good reason.

I'm tending to think that I would like to use a high quality bearclaw that could be welded or installed into the door that wouldn't scream "Look at Me!",being that I am starting from scratch anyhow.

I'm also trying to get a handle on how the whole bearclaw/locks/keyless/power window thing needs to be thought about as a whole.Again,I am doing a cab-off type project.

[_Ogre]

i've never needed to lock my doors
though i have locked the key fob in the cab

[MARTINSR]

I have to tell you guys, I just saw this today. They looked like they took almost no mod, just opened up the stock hole and drilled a few for the bolts. And the striker was right where the stock one was too.







I thought the latches were VW and sure enough I posted these photos on another site and someone gave me this link.

http://carparts4sale.com/rh-door-lat...ne-oe-cp024878

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_...D_60434193.htm

Looks like a great way to go if you ask me.

Brian

[chuckmc8]

Subbin in here for the VW latch mod info

[Daze57]

that latch looks like a great alternative