Thread: solinoids for stock latches

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Hi. getting back in to trying to build a 37 Ford Tudor. My Wife likes shaved doors on another 37 she saw. My question is: Are there solinoids out there or a kit that would work on the original latches in the 37 Ford door?? I see a bunch of kits on ebay. I wouldn't want to get the wrong one.. Thanks.. Al

Not sure if they have a soleniod for stock latches. Most shaved handles have a bear claw latch. They do not need much pressure to open so a solenoid will easily operate the latch.

Best way to determine if stock latches will work with a solenoid is to take a fish scale, pull the latch till it releases, note the weight of the pull required, make sure the solenoids exceed that amount of pull....

and the usual eBay warning, make sure you're buying from a reputable company that doesn't hype the data on their product!!!!!

Dave & I were typing at the same time, and he's right about the pull power, but I agree with Sunset. I don't think I've ever seen remotes on stock latches. You may be able to find a solenoid strong enough to pull them but if you're investing the time and work into shaving the handles why not improve your safety with bear claw latches, too?

Thanks. I will check with someone like Yogi's or Summit Racing.. Al

i used a door lock solinoids out of a older gm car from the 80s you can move a car with that solinoid abit loud but works great

Originally Posted by slantback37

Thanks. I will check with someone like Yogi's or Summit Racing.. Al

You might look at some of the smaller, street rod specific places too, like maybe Watson's Streetworks, or Sachse Rod Shop in Texas. They've got a lot of more "special" parts.

There is no way I would consider keeping those original latches and strikes - they were a poor, weak design 75 years ago, and probably dangerous now with weak springs and general wear and slop. Use the positive acting double bear claw design, add that remote actuated solenoid, shave the outside handle and be done with that problem. Yep, gonna cost some more bucks, but the originals were/are not safe in today's world

That is what I was going to ask next. Do you think the original latches are safe?? Does a company like Bear Claw make latches for my 37 Ford Tudor?? , or do I have to cut and fit??

Originally Posted by slantback37

That is what I was going to ask next. Do you think the original latches are safe?? Does a company like Bear Claw make latches for my 37 Ford Tudor?? , or do I have to cut and fit??

Slantback,
Bear claw is a type of latch, not a manufacturer. Many different makers out there, and each will be to some degree cut, fit & weld. Rocky Hinge is a great choice, and it looks like you can add power to their latch for $20 - Bear Claw Latches & Installation Kits

Let me add some to Roger's post (also like Rocky Hinge Co)

There are actually a couple of different size bear claw latches plus some variations. One with a single rotor which is generally used for light duty and trunk releases. I have the light duty version on my '31 simply because the roadster door just is not thick enough to use the larger two rotor version.

Then, these, regardless of manufacturer, will require a fair amount of fabrication. Not difficult, but time consuming and probably more so on an original '37 door. But, with that said, if you are going to 'shave' the handles, no more difficult.

I believe that Rocky has an integral solenoid version - all you would have to do is hook up either a remote push button switch or a key fob radio version. I have an unused Autoloc one of those that I keep dragging out trying to figure where I can use it - and it is for sale (no solenoids) and reasonably priced.

One thing to remember is make sure you have a mechanical pull to open the door .........just in case you ever get a dead battery. Usually you can hide a cable under the door somewhere that connects to the door lever.

I'll have to think over where a wire would go. Closed car. Running boards will be in the way. i was looking at these right now.Large Bear Claw Latch Kit I figure with this kit it would help match up everything easier..

Why not this one, which has everything you're wanting - Power Bear Claw Latches With Manual Safety Locks

Originally Posted by slantback37

I'll have to think over where a wire would go. Closed car. Running boards will be in the way. i was looking at these right now.Large Bear Claw Latch Kit I figure with this kit it would help match up everything easier..

The wire goes through the door frame about half way up, usually below the door stop and in a loom Braided Stainless Wire Looms. There are also contact sets, but they are often not too great Dakota Digital Door Contacts