For most, when that beyond all recognition pile of holy rusted tin shows up in the garage, we’re so infatuated with big dreams that even the worst of projects won’t send one running for the hills, for better or worse! Then once the initial excitement winds down its time to retreat and review the damages; followed by a reconnaissance mission with various catalogs to estimate what kind of dent this project is gonna put in your pocket book. However, once the initial assessment is conducted, one will soon find out they have only peeled back the first of the onion’s layers and have overlooked an abundance of problems.
One common area is door latches. Once you swallow the condition of the doors and what it’s gonna take to fix them, it’s time to realize that it’s not only the cosmetic portion of the assembly that has seen better days. Just like the rest of the mechanical pieces involved in the truck, the latches and striker plates are pretty much shot as well. After years of use the latches have more slop in them than a seventh grader’s mess hall! Although it doesn’t sound like a bad thing, it’s one of those situations where every action has a reaction; only this reaction has a chain reaction!
Here’s the Autoloc kit, straight...
Here’s the Autoloc kit, straight outta the box. Everything needed to install a set of bear claw latches with electric solenoids is included in the kit.
When the latches wear down several problems ensue. For one, when the door isn’t sucked up tight into the weatherstrip around the jamb it allows for all kinds of wind and road noise to seep through the gaps. Couple those noises with the clanking and banging of the door itself against the jamb and before you know it, you got a symphony of sounds pouring through the cab. Another area that is affected is door alignment. A key point in aligning the door is utilizing the latch. When the latch isn’t securing a strong bond it can cause lines to be off cue, which can cause things too look funkier than some Lady Gaga getup! The miracle elixir is to install late-model-styled bear claw latches.
The pin plate is already fabricated...
The pin plate is already fabricated with the floating mounting boss on the backside of it. The plate will mount where the stock striker plate mounted, as shown here.
One company that has a diverse lineup of products to help aid in the installation of various components is Autoloc. Autoloc sees the importance of high-quality latches, pins, solenoids—really, any and all components that round out a door package. One kit that will bring things full circle is their power bear claw latch kit, which will outfit your ride with all the necessary upgrades. The kit comes complete with bear claw latches, mounting plates, pins and power solenoids, which are great for those looking for shaved door handles. The cool thing about this kit is it is all packaged together in a compact, all-inclusive design, which makes installation a breeze. The heart of the kit is based around the bear claw latch that features dual claws with an extra large striker bolt. To boot, the all-steel latch operates around a three-stage latching system with five coil springs that give the latch over an inch of throw. Making installation a breeze is the conveniently designed installation kit that features steel mounting plates designed with stamped screw holes and precise machine cut latch openings for the ultimate in operation and alignment. The kit also features a floating mounting pin boss for easy alignment. Autoloc also offers the option of manual or power latches. For those opting to go handleless, the kit is outfitted with a 13-pound two-wire hook-up actuator capable of handling most shaved door handle applications.
Because of the pin’s mounting...
Because of the pin’s mounting boss on the Autoloc plate, the plate setup won’t sit into the stock recession in the jamb, therefore, a 2x2-inch square needs to be cut from the center of the jamb recession.
To show the ease, installation and efficiency of this kit Star Kustom Shop is going to install the Autoloc kit in a ’55 Chevy truck. Follow along as this key part to a quality door package is tackled from beginning to end.
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With the hole cut, the plate...
With the hole cut, the plate can sit in position. I marked the plate to sit dead middle of the jamb; more or less placing the center point of the pin to the center point of the jamb’s center.
The last step is to weld the...
The last step is to weld the plate to the ,jamb.
The new Autoloc latch assembly...
The new Autoloc latch assembly is much like the pin assembly, it’s all inclusive, and in order for it to mount to the door some room needs to be cleared up. The bottom of the new set up will sit at this indentation in the door recession. By utilizing this line, it will keep the center of the latch in line with the center of the pin.
Here’s how the plate sizes...
Here’s how the plate sizes up, notice how the bottom of the plate lines up with the recession line. The outer perimeter of the plate was marked with a marker.
Next, the area inside the...
Next, the area inside the markings was cut out with a cut-off wheel to make room for the latch assembly.
A bit of trimming around the...
A bit of trimming around the corners of the latch assembly plate was needed, but all in all the plate sits right in the recession in the door without a hitch.
One problem once the plate...
One problem once the plate gets welded in is the gap above the plate.
In order to keep a stock appearance...
In order to keep a stock appearance a filler piece is constructed and molded in.
Here’s the finished product....
Here’s the finished product. When it’s all said and done, the assembly fits right in the jamb like a stock configuration. Of course, at this time a little bit of dressing will be needed to clean up the area.
The plate is manufactured...
The plate is manufactured with the latch opening cut into it, along with the mounting holes; all it takes to mount the bear claw latch assembly is a couple of supplied bolts.
On the jamb side of things,...
On the jamb side of things, this little filler piece was welded into the jamb to finish things off for a clean look as well.
Again, it’s as if we were...
Again, it’s as if we were never there the way things work out.
Just like new model cars,...
Just like new model cars, bear claw latches use a floating pin that mounts to the jamb. Unlike the striker plates of yesteryear that featured various bolts to align the plate, all it takes to align the Autoloc pin is the adjustment of the self-securing striker pin. Not only is the Autoloc kit much easier to operate, but its design is far superior as well, which makes it a perfect match for any classic hauler. Adjust the pin to bring the door into an operational envelope and you’re good to go!