[rustycolt]

The information you guys have posted have helped me out a lot where I have run out of ideas myself. Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise.

After careful consideration of the pros & cons of door handle shaving, and plenty of thought about alternative customizations, I still have my heart set on shaving. The car is going in for other body work, and the weld/fill will be left to the pros when they do the rest. My question is regarding what sort of actuator people have had success with. The kits all look easy and simple, but kits aren't really my style. I prefer the creativity and challenge of modified and/or junkyard parts, in spite of the increase in work involved. I like the sense of achievement that goes along with that sort of work(never mind the fact that I am already about $1000 over budget with body work and paint, and it is going to be a trick to find that!). I have tried a power gas door actuator (not enough pull) and the weak power lock actuator from my fox body Mustang, but neither were up to the challenge. There is no room inside the door to add a lever or spring "helper" system to ease the load on the electrics. I have read that Lincoln & Cadillac door lock actuators pull pretty hard. Can anyone confirm this, or suggest another scrapyard treasure that may work?

Incidentally, for those of you with lighter door latches, the gas door actuator from a fox body Mustang makes for an incredibly simple and versitile pull mechanism. It has a long, flexible cable that makes mounting it a snap! <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

[Stinkin_V8]

Hey, Neighbor!

I decided against the junkyard route for the keyless entry myself, so I can't give you the info you're looking for. I just wanted to chime in and let you know that there are alternatives to some of the really expensive vendors. You get what you pay for to a certain extent, but there are some deals out there. Let me know if you want some links, there's a guy in Manitoba that I think has good prices.

 

[rustycolt]

Well, well. The last thing I expected was to hear from someone in my neck of the woods. I would love to hear about the suppliers you have discovered. I have all the electronics and controls worked out, and in place already, but if these contacts lead to an affordable actuator, it could potentially save me several frustating trips to the wrecker, and may avoid the blasphemous practice of adding a GM part to my Ford

 

[Stinkin_V8]

Talk to Jeff at <a href="http://www.velocitymotorsport.com/" target="_blank">Velocity Motor Sports</a> in Manitoba. Tell him what you're in need of and he'll come up with something. I haven't dealt with him much, I bought 20 bosch relays and harnesses from him for a great price. Good to deal with and the shipping will be minimal. He's been designing a sound system for me as well.

Another place to check is <a href="http://www.customclassic.com/" target="_blank">Custom Classic</a> in Texas. The web site isn't always working all that great, but talk to Michael there. His prices are really good and he'll likely talk you out of something if it's more than you need. I got my whole keyless system from him last year - alarm, remote start, entry system, including the bear claw latches, solenoids, switches and all the wiring. It was a very reasonable price (even with exchange) and he prewired most of it for me. I noticed he had a product spotlight in one of the recent classic truck mags, too.

Both of those guys are easy to deal with. Just drop them an email and tell them what you need, I'm sure they'll get back to you promptly with prices.

So, what are you working on?

 

[rustycolt]

Thanks, I will check out both places. I am working on an '85 Mustang GT. I have about 5 years casual work in on things like powertrain and suspension. I've been doing what I can on a limited budget. I was vandalized last fall (3 days before leaving for Vancouver for our International show!! %$*@!!) In an effort to make lemonade from the lemon that was the break-in, I am opting to get some extra work done while it is in the body shop for damage repair. If you live in Regina, you have probably seen an obnoxious, lime green Stang around town. That is me.

After another junkyard/garage afternoon, I have an update on the situation, and a tip for those following this path:

As per the excellent advice posted in this forum, I can confirm that the door lock actuators out of '80s GM's pull hard enough to unlatch a door (if placed properly in the door!) Also (this was an unexpected bonus) as an alternative to electric door-poppers, the seatbelt retraction "buttons" that Ford used on the Fox body Mustangs (and others I would guess) have plenty of pushing power to move the latch beyond the door pin. Cheap, simple, passive, and very unlikely to fail and leave you locked out!

 

[allanjon]

well I hang out, and get fantastic ideas from the pros at car creations, here in minnesota, I had my car in for rear roll pan work, and found out they dont use the costly units, for doors or trunk openers, but know which ones work, might be worth a try to call a local pro and get there advice, I worked on my own car there, and learned a ton...