Power Bearclaws

[DransportGarage]

I've been inspired by blackdiesel's tips in the "55-57 one-piece window" thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=55-57.

What a great job! Anyway, I'm trying to use his method for the window, and then I'm adding power bearclaws. I hope it was OK to start a new thread.

I set up my door as shown in the videos, but found that I needed a little less than a 1/4" additional room for the bearclaw. I then moved the back rail forward to give me that required room:



Then I made a plate to mount the 'claw on (18 gauge, shown here held in place by a magnet):



I had to move the front channel slightly forward, so I slotted the holes at the bottom of that channel:



Here's the claw, in place, and the plate is ready to weld in.



I also welded in additional metal to wrap the corner of the door. Note that even though the plate is permanently installed, the 'claw is removeable:



I'm going to tolerate the striker being where it ended up, because it would be a big pain to put the 'claw in a different position.



I will mention that I bought my glass from Auto City Classic about a year ago (before blackdiesel's tip on tempered vs. laminated). I got 45% smoked glass for $99 for the pair. If you need it shipped it's another $20. They have their own template, so you just order them. They seem to fit very well, but I'll know more once I install the power regulators.

The 'claws (p/n 11945-16 and 11946-16, $16.98 ea.) and strikers (p/n 10339-16, $9.36 ea.) came from Moore Industrial Hardware in Cincinnati (http://www.mooreindhardware.com/about.html). They also have a location in Atlanta.

Hope this helps someone. I'll add more as I install my regulator and door opening solenoid but it may be a while with summer in full swing.