1950 gmc lock retainer

[smittster]

I bought some new locks for my 1950 GMC and placed one on the drivers side also. I bought the retainer clips but need help. Does anyone have a picture of how it fits on or could tell me how to put the in?

[skip99]

if it's the same as my 51 chevy it's a PITA !!
you have the pull down handles, right? if so... the latch mechanisms are different on dr. and pass. side, I actually am trying to decide what to do on mine, so I took them apart. I bought a set of bear claws, but am not sure I want to install them.. anyway...
the pass side is the one with the lock mechanism, the dr. and pass side are the same(mirror opposites) except for 2 or 3 pieces at the bottom for the lock, I am thinking about making them for the dr. side as they have to be mirror pieces of the pass, side, so, unless you have decent fab skills and welders , grinders, well, you know...
you could convert to 52 pushbutton style, (has a lock in the button)but you would need all the guts from a 52 up , I think...

[smittster]

I put the bear claw latches from Trique Manufacturing and they work well. I bought the
lock retainer clips from brothers or chevy duty etc. It seems like it would be staight forward but when I put the retainer clips inside the door, the window channel seems to get in the way. I just cannot see how it holds the lock in place.

[skip99]

can you post a couple pics? if I remember, my lock retained on the pass side actually slid out the door jamb, but I would think the newer U shaped retainer would work too.
did you add a lock on the drivers side? i'd like to see what you did..

[skip99]

here's a pic of the lock retainer on the pass side,


here's the difference in the pass and drivers side, the lock mech. is on the right, the dr. side could be modified if you want to use original stuff.


BUT, ! I think I am talking myself out of using originals, because, after messing with the locks I can see the short comings in the lock..
if these teeth are worn, it will not hold closed, and if you happen to use a door seal that is tough to compress, the door will not latch if the drop down latch does not go deep enough to drop. and there is no adjustment to move it out..

[smittster]

I will get some pictures in the next couple of days. I don't remember seeing a slot in the door jamb. My original latches would not hold well and I bought some aftermarket original latches that I never put on because they seemed like crap.

[smittster]

I found the hole on the door jamb for the retainer clip, I had to peel back the weatherstripping. The problem is that I had a hole cut for lock on the drivers door but did not cut a slot for the retainer clip.

[skip99]

I think one of the newer U clips would hold, without having to cut a slot..if you want I'll look, I might have one to see if it holds the lock

[skip99]

yep, the newer lock retainer will work , I had one left from a 67-69 camaro , it holds the lock just fine..

[smittster]

thanks, need to get to it.