[murfeey]

Iwant to shave the doors on my 54 chevy truck but are unsure of what door poppers ,openers to use,budget is healthy so what are the best.thanks shaun :

[MARTINSR]

I would HIGHLY recommend updating to bear claw latches first off. I don't have any suggestions on the popper or solenoids but the latches, junk the originals and go with bear claws.

Brian

[allen57]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I would HIGHLY recommend updating to bear claw latches first off. I don't have any suggestions on the popper or solenoids but the latches, junk the originals and go with bear claws.

Brian

what exactly are bear claw latches and how do they work. ive seen them for sell before but ive never see them used. over here, very few cars are shaved ( actually very few hot rods out here, i can only think of 10 classic ive seen around here and me and my friend own 4 of them)

thanks

[MARTINSR]

No custom cars in Martinez are you kidding me? LOL, Contra Costa County is one of the hot beds of custom and hot rod activity in the whole world! John DeAgasteno, Rod Powell, Richard Zocchie, Acme Custom, DeRosa Custom, and many, many more are right in your back yard in Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, and Antioch.

"Bear claws" are a latch that has two "fingers" that go around the striker when you shut the door like a well, bears claw. The ones you see for sale in the rod mags actually came from the Motor home industry. The ones I will be putting on my AD Chevy truck (same as yours) are out of a Jeep CJ hard top door. They are exactly as the "street rod" ones only they have a lock which the rod ones don't (at least the ones I have seen).



The original latches on that truck are marginal at best, I can't wait to dump mine. I have had so many years of trying to adjust them so they will work and having to slam the door and crap like that. GOOD RIDDENS.

These will require modification of your door and striker post on your cab but it is a good first time project. As long as you weld the pieces properly! You don't want your door falling open!

You want to see about a 800 wild customs and hot rods? Wait until Sept 17th and go to "BilletProof" in Antioch!!! (Click here!)

No custom cars around Martinez......you make me raff all night rong.

Brian

[CWO4Mann]

See, I knew this forum would be a god-send for me! I am restoring a 1978 European model Porshce 928. There are all kinds of problems with door locks and handles with that model (it was the first year). Anyway, I've always admired the shaved doors since growing up in San Diego and watching "Los Servicios Especiales" y "Los Pachucos de Chula Vista" cruise the Pacific Coast Highway back in the 1960's.

Now I know what a Bear Claw is and how to go about doing it.

Ese! Eso Si Que ESE!

Thanks again guys for the pointers.

Cheers,

Dave

__________________
Study History - Know the Future

1978 Euro - "Kryptonite"
VIN: 9288101583
Mocha Black Exterior - Hannibal Gray Leather - 5 Speed
In Restoration

Blogs:

http://daves928project.blogspot.com/

http://misterfixit.blogspot.com/

http://carondelet.blogspot.com/