[yragat]

I have a 30 model A Roadster and am thinking about installing the mini bear claw latches in it this winter. This car has stock interior and exterior door handles. Is there a way to keep (especially) the outside handles and make them functional with bear claw latches? I know that a car without windows that I could reach inside to open,but then what do I do about the outside handles---can't shave,the car is already painted

[471A]

I have a 29 Tudor with stock exterior door handles and mini bear claws. I will recruit my tech-savvy daughter to take digital photos and, assuming that is possible with this website, post the photos of how this was done. Inside the car, the "door handle" is a simple straight rod that slides up and down to open and close.

[yragat]

Originally Posted by 471A

I have a 29 Tudor with stock exterior door handles and mini bear claws. I will recruit my tech-savvy daughter to take digital photos and, assuming that is possible with this website, post the photos of how this was done. Inside the car, the "door handle" is a simple straight rod that slides up and down to open and close.

That would be great
Thanks

[471A]

All of the attached photos depict the 29 Tudor passenger side door. Driver's side installation is the same. Ignore the duct tape.......

[471A]

Attached photos

[yragat]

Originally Posted by 471A

Attached photos

Thank you,did your door always have the raised portion,or did you have to do that to accommodate the new latches?

[471A]

The raised portion was fabricated to make room for the latching mechanism.

[Irelands child]

Those bear claw latches don't have to go in the exact same position as the OEM's. You can mount them lower and run a bell crank and rods to the handles. While I don't have the outside handles, ran mine with that bell crank and a pair of rods and a return spring. As far as the exterior paint - well, you'll have to be careful, but you will have to repaint the door jambs:



Shows the rods and an electric actuator that is now been replaced by a spring 'hanger'



Upside down



Shows the door release

I also have a suicide door safety pin as the mini bear claw latches while much better then the original latch still have only a single rotor.

Not a job for the faint of heart, as I ended up using a circle saw and adding a couple of access holes to the inner door panel - see the brighter red rattle can primer. You also might consider adding some reinforcing to the body at the door striker - that metal is puny at best

Dave W

[yragat]

Thanks
The body is already reinforced all the way down the door jamb,so I'm OK there

Never changed my Avatar---don't have the Model T anymore this is the new one