Thread: Shaved door handle problem...

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Hi! In my '38 Ford Pickup which I have shaved the door handles off, I can't get the electric unlocking system to work. The solenoid/activator does not seem to be stong enough to pull in the door pin, that thing which slides in and out to lock/unlock the door from the cab frame catch. Pulling this pin in seems to take quite a bit of force even after cleaned and oiled. Help?? Ideas??

Thanks, Dave M

Hi! In my '38 Ford Pickup which I have shaved the door handles off, I can't get the electric unlocking system to work. The solenoid/activator does not seem to be stong enough to pull in the door pin, that thing which slides in and out to lock/unlock the door from the cab frame catch. Pulling this pin in seems to take quite a bit of force even after cleaned and oiled. Help?? Ideas??

Thanks, Dave M

I'd switch to BearClaw latches and do away with the stock ones. Safer and solenoids can pull them easily. If you add poppers the doors will also spring open slightly so you can get your fingers in there to open it the rest of the way.

Also, put a hidden emergency manual release on at least one door. A dead battery or even something like some flouresant lights can disrupt your remote and you are locked out. Happened to my Son twice and he had to smash a window in to gain entrance.......lights at 7-11 store both times messed up his remote signal.

Don

Do you have a recommendation for a supplier of the bearclaw latches? I'd also be interested in recommended supplier of keyless entry parts that allows people to have shaved doors.

Chris

stock latches will not release with lock solenoids . i just make the power windows remote.

Two solutions: Bearclaws or a larger solenoid. Google "Autoloc" for Bearclaws.

Since your new, I'll toss out a small hint. It's not necessary to post the same question in several different threads. New posts will show up on the new post page.

Thanks to all for the ideas and yes, I did screw up the thread posting. I'm way better in the ga-rage than the com-pooter room!

DM

The manual release cable is a must,as unfortunately I learnt the hard way as well.Luckily my window was slightlt open.I have autoloc on mine and they seem to work well.

I am not an expert, but I would check several things. Is your battery strong enough to operate the solenoids. Are all the connections to the solenoids good and correct. Check any and all GND terminals. Sounds like an electrical problem, or the solenoid is bad and froze. Is it possible that you wired them backwards? Check polarity on the solenoids. I can see one being bad but not two unless moisture got to them. Is this a new kit? Connect a solenoid directly to the battery and see if it works, maybe while out of the car. Hope one of those helped.

Jeff

I would check the door may be dragging on the pin. open the door lift up see if you have any up and down play in the door. stronger solenoids can be found at starter shops. orginal solenoids on old starters will work make sure you have no slack in the cable and the solenoid mounted solid.

What pull strength solenoids do you have??? Some of them sold are barely big enough to pull a door lock, let alone unlatch it.

Should get a fish scale and see how much pull is required to unlatch the door, then get solenoids at least 10 pounds stronger.... On some of the older cars, it's necessary to change the latches to the new style Bear Claw latches, the old ones sometimes just require too much pull.