'57 Bear Claw Latch Install

[Groyd]

Found this thread really helpful when installing my latches. Just thought I'd share it here.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...h-tech.512619/

I actually flipped the original piece from the B post upside down and inside out to the opposite door and welded a nut to the back side for the striker. It cut down on a lot of metal fitting on the post side. I'll try to post some pics later.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Interesting. I wish I'd found that thread before I dropped $350 on the Altman latch kit - which I've not installed yet! Oh well

Edit: UGH! I JUST checked eBay and the large latch kit set is only $35! Jeez.

[Groyd]

I've got the Altman kit on my '51, it really is nice and very easy to install. You won't be disappointed. They know their product inside and out if you have any questions as well.

I just happened to buy those $35 latches off some guy on the hamb and scratched my head for about two days before I found that link. I've been trying to keep the costs way down on the '57. The striker plates just happened to flip over and inside out perfectly if you grind off the piece that's riveted to the front. It certainly doesn't look as good as welding everything in, but it worked for me.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Groyd

I've got the Altman kit on my '51, it really is nice and very easy to install. You won't be disappointed. They know their product inside and out if you have any questions as well...

Well it's good to know from the guy that's done both its a great kit....even if it was 10x the cost, yikes.

[hotrod1]

Here is the regular site (the above is a mobile site).

http://www.hotrodlatches.com/default.asp

[Clay54]

On the hamb link there is no mention of where the "large latch" comes from. Can you get them out of the junk yard or only on ebay? Would these work in my '54?

I can't believe it has been almost 4 years since I came to Oklahoma and bought those doors from you.

[Groyd]

I got mine from hotrodlatches.com I think it was $35 or $37 shipped

http://www.hotrodlatches.com/mobile/...=Large-Latches

Four years goes by quick, and neither one of us have finished our trucks. Ha!

[Clay54]

Thanks, will check it out.

[Groyd]

On the post.

[hotrod1]

I want to know more about those "hotrod latches." Seems to be too cheap to be any good, at least compared to other companies. I would like a cheap substitute, but the have to be good.

[Groyd]

He's a member on the hamb. You can send him a message over there.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...es-com.849154/

[hotrod1]

All made in the USA and sold by a guy in his home; good quality; good price? I'm in!