Altman Easy Latch Kit

[andsonsvd]

Hey Everyone,

Has anyone used the Altman Easy Latch Kit?

Im interested but im trying to find out how hard they are to install.

Thanks Shane

[Rude Dude]

Here is a link on install: http://webrodder.com/article.php?AID=539&SID=60

Originally Posted by andsonsvd

Hey Everyone,

Has anyone used the Altman Easy Latch Kit?

Im interested but im trying to find out how hard they are to install.

Thanks Shane

[andsonsvd]

Thanks Rude Dude, Seems ok.

Thanks Shane

[Speedbumpauto]

I used them on my 55 2nd series. Work and fit really well, but be advised, you loose all the interior locking features of the old style handle latches if that matters to you. It's been discussed extensively. Try the search function.

[lowdownstar]

I just installed them and if i can do it anyone can! they were not that hard just take your time and read the instuctions.


Ray

[UK 51]

just done this myself, very easy to fit and with excellent results , if you have any questions feel free to message me

[1 bootlegger]

I have the Altman Easy Latch kit installed in my 48 works great. I travel a bit with my vehicles so I also got Altman Easy Latch Lock Actuator Kit. If you lock the passenger door with the key the drivers door locks automatically. They come with remotes that work slick. It only works with the Altman Latch kit.

[skip99]

I used bear claws and heard the same thing about losing the ability to lock the doors from the inside..so.....stare at something long enough....

simply cut a slot in the arm where it attaches to the latch, nylon washer on each side with lock nut. and you can barely see it in the picture..

push down on handle, it opens,,,pull up and it will slide a 1/4 inch before letting the handle lock in the lock position and it "jams" the latch so it cant be pushed from the outside, hence locked!

I also converted to pushbutton and put key locks in both handles.

seems like altmans would be the same..

[lowdownstar]

Thanks skip that looks really easy and something i am going to have to look at.



Thanks Ray

[BigJock]

Originally Posted by UK 51

just done this myself, very easy to fit and with excellent results , if you have any questions feel free to message me

Did you get the kit here in Blighty,if so who from?

Also for the rest of the gang here's a link to a thread on the HAMB re: Altman latches.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=518506

[UK 51]

got mine off Jamie at US Autoparts, he has weekly shipments and is pretty fair on price / exchange rates .
Altman kit is expensive but is really easy to fit and it works well .
I am working on a simple way of using original handles to lock from the inside,
will post up if it works !

[UK 51]

I have had success in making the original interior handles lock the altman ! will take it all apart and photograph it all , its really easy and you need nothing other than a few inches of steel rod .it works by swapping the original interior handle mechanisms over , so the drivers is on the passengers and vice versa, a bit of carefull grinding then making a small lever using rod .
It took me ages to get it right so it didnt foul on any of the window runners.
It not only works ,but costs nothing and uses original handles.

[waybad]

skip99
I'm dense as a meteor rock,, but I don't see how it works, (locks)

Tinker

[UK 51]

1. swap handle mech from passenger to driver , this allows the stock handle to go the right way to push/pull the Altman lock

2. you need to trim the operating arm and open the hole up
3.makke something like this ( measurements are a guide as im sure all trucks will differ ,
4. fit to the ALTMAN lock as shown , you will need a longer bolt/screw , dont over tighten and make sure this does not foul the window track at all !

hope this is useful , i have only done on the drivers door so i dont know if it would work if in conjunction with a lock/key too

[skip99]

Originally Posted by waybad

skip99
I'm dense as a meteor rock,, but I don't see how it works, (locks)

Tinker

Pretty much a leverage thing,,,,slotting the hole, lets the handle move to lock position. and you cant push the button, not really a separate lock...but it works, with less moving parts.

[Speedbumpauto]

Very slick idea! Good thinking.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Very ingenious UK51!

If its this relatively easy, I'm surprised Altman doesn't offer it as an option. Maybe you should email them with your idea and see what kind of response you get? Couldn't hurt!

[UK 51]

just emailed them, thanks for the positive response

[tmoble]

UK51, a hero! So, does thinking outside the box come easy for you? That deal is brilliant.

[tmoble]

Does the longer bolt need to tack welded to the arm? It can't be tightened up tight without seizing up the whole mechanism, right? So it can rock back and forth?

Since that bolt can't be tightened up what's to keep the newly fabbed rod from rotating down?

could the blunt end of the piece of flat stock be extended a little, far enough to get another bolt in it?

[CTurner1978]

UK51:

I have sent you an email concerning your lock idea. Your idea is impressive and we always love to hear from customers that have ideas for new products or how to improve existing products.

Thank you,
Chris

[UK 51]

thanks for the feedback chris !
tmoble - no welding required , i just used a longer bolt so the lock nut would work ,

i still used the lock on the passenger side and made this so i would be able to lock/secure the drivers door , thanks again hope this is useful ,
fil