1946-1948 Lincoln Pushbutton Door Handle Install - When Push Comes To Shove - Tech

Since we're dealing with a 5-Star cab and wanted to retain the cool door panels, they needed to be trimmed to fit the latch mechanism. Also note that the latch plates are now welded up to the door jamb, quite an improvement from that gaping hole a few steps back.

Next, our attention turns to the B-pillars, where the striker plate will be installed.

Another hole is cut to remove the stock F-1 striker and dovetail assembly... .

...where a template is made,...

...a plate is fabricated, ...

...and welded into place.

Here's the Lincoln striker and dovetail mechanism that will mount on the B-pillar.

First, the striker plate is mounted onto the latch and the door is shut to check for fitment.

The striker needs to be spaced 1/4-inch away from the new B-pillar plate, so a spacer is fabbed up to go behind the striker.