Door locks...

[Atommik]

I just realized that AD trucks (at least 1951's like mine) have a lock cylinder on the pass. side but not the drivers side. What was GM thinking? Does anyone have a logical explanation? Also, what's the best way to add a functioning lock cylinder to the drivers door, using original style latches? Do other years have a drivers cylinder and latch I could swap?

[fredscarryall]

gm's idea was that street where norrow back in the 50s and getting out from the drivers side was dangerous. so you would get out the passanger side and lock the door. as far as converting the drivers push button to a keyed lock. i havent done it yet, but i am planning on it. maybe someone else on the forum has done it before and can help you.

[parkwood]

what we did on the '51 suburban we built was to buy another handle with the lock in it and put it on the driver's side.. you end up with an extra key but you have a locking handle..

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by Atommik

I just realized that AD trucks (at least 1951's like mine) have a lock cylinder on the pass. side but not the drivers side. What was GM thinking? Does anyone have a logical explanation? Also, what's the best way to add a functioning lock cylinder to the drivers door, using original style latches? Do other years have a drivers cylinder and latch I could swap?

It wasn't only GM, other makes were like that too. I had a 47 Ford truck that only had a lock on the right side. I doubt that many of them ever got locked back then.

[Atommik]

My 51 has the "turn down" style handles, not push button...so no lock in the handle. Maybe a remote lock actuator?

[FFredo]

Thats wierd, my 59 only has a lock on the drivers side. Nutty car designers I tell you.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by parkwood

what we did on the '51 suburban we built was to buy another handle with the lock in it and put it on the driver's side.. you end up with an extra key but you have a locking handle..

Maybe a lock smith could key them the same?

[G&R's57GMC]

Back in the day most states had a law that prohibited entering & exiting to the street side thus the lock on the passenger door. Also the floor shifter moved as far forward on the floor as posable and the introduction of the column shifter. The bench seat made it easy to slid across to enter and exit.

Can you imagine trying that today with bucket seats and council shifter.

My trucks (56 Chevy,56 GMC,57 GMC) have been upgraded to same key on both doors by previous owners.