Duramax 2500HD '58 Panel

[FinnDiesel]

Door Locks:
I wanted the ’01 door lock mechanisms and factory remote fob capability.
Had to fab some pivot brackets to allow use of the ’58 exterior door handles which push instead of pull. The problem was converting the inward push of the thumb button to straight down for the latch module within the limited space inside the back end of the door behind the door window rear vertical track.
By chance, the ’01 lock module is vertically U-shaped, perfect to fit around the window track. The ’58 interior door latch handle and flat metal linkage stays stock except for the end drilled to accept the modern thick wire linkage and connectors.
They work great. The doors close real smooth and soft now. The 2 doors took approx. 3 days to figure out and complete.
At this point I am leaving the rear door as factory manual lock only.
The factory fob works perfect, one push driver door, 2nd push passenger door lock opens.
A problem with the ’58 door key, is that the key only deactivates the thumb push. Its function does not extend beyond that – meaning that when the power door locks are locked, you still cannot open the door with the key.
You can lock the door via the key though, even with the power lock unlocked.