New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I need some new door latches for my 53 3100 Chevy. What are the best ones to buy?

Thanks.

Wade

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Expensive, yeow, but damn that looks like a good way to go. Never thought I would see those available.

Brian

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Expensive indeed, with current US to Canada exchange rate, those will cost me about $650 Canadian. They do look good though.

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I have been looking at bear claw latches for some time and wound up purcasing AutoLocl along with their indtall kit. Basically quite similar to the Altman latches. I have not installed them as yet but they actuate very smooth with a few drops of oil. They are 3/4" thick as are the Altmans and when I test fitted mine the watchout I'm aware of showed in that they interfere with the window guide channel that screws into the door jamb. Altman doesn't mention any mods necessary with their system. Theres does surface mount on the outside so you gain the material thickness of the door but, as I see it, that isn't enough to clear the channel. You need more like 3/16 of an inch to comfortably miss it. I am planning to bump out the surface where the latch mounts that amount and compensate pin position, if necessary .
I am shaving the handles and asked opinion of this forum earlier about reversing, putting the latch on the truck and the pin on the door. I am going with the latch in the door, bumping out the mounting surface. Working inside the truck body would be like knee surgery mounting the solenoid and backup cable.
I bring this up only because I don't see how Altman's latch misses the window channel. They don't have an instruction preview on their site and the tout how easy it goes in.
Anyone have experience?

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I have the Altman bear claws in my 57. I will say that the doors do feel much more secure when closed than previously and shut tighter/with less force. The passenger side popped open on my wife while we were driving one day which led to the Altman purchase. Cosmetically, they are more appealing. However, there does not seem to be a return spring mechanism so you are forced to push the handle into position before you close the door otherwise it will not latch properly. I'm sure something can be fabbed up to resolve this, but for $350, I don't think I should have to. The door button is also very stiff now, and the arm that attaches to the door handle has popped out of place once on the driver's side. Ultimately, my review is "meh." They accomplished what I wanted, but with some additional headaches.

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I do appreciate the high dollar options, however, I am wondering what the experience has been with the more generic stock replacement door latches. Are there any that are better than the others?

Thanks.

Wade

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I'll use a bungee to hold my doors closed before I pay those ripoff prices.

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I made my own latches. They are either from a old mazda truck or s10. But latches are pretty much the same with a striker bolt. Cut a hole in the side of the door where the latch goes and made a face plate for it and put the striker where it latches when the door lines up perfect

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Who sells the best stock door latches for a 53 Chevy truck?

thanks.

Wade

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Almost all the repo door latches come from the same supplier in China. If you want the best latch availbable buy an NOS origina GM . Usually there are several on ebay or someone that has a NOS parts hoard. Not and area to scrimp on price.

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

Thanks Paul.

Re: New Door Latches for 1953 3100
 

I have original latches and plate you just have to pay for shipping if you're interested