latches from the junkyard?

[kelseydum]

I'm about to sell my rod but was kinda wanting to at least put new door latches in it. I've been driving it for 2 years but don't consider it finished ( an artists work is never finished). I don't mind the way the doors latch now (original striker latch style) but the new guy might mind.

I was wondering if there is a good vehicle to pull some newer door latches out of. I have about 1 3/4" from the outer skin of the door to the inner skin of the door. I know speedway sells a cheap "slim line bear claw set" that would work great but if there is something I could pull from the local yard that would be cool too...... I am also curious for future projects.

Thanks,
KD

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Honestly, for the price and versatility the Speedway slimlines are hard to beat. They are compact, mount easily and work great. As far as future projects go - After using them a couple times I went ahead and made a template to cut & install them. I use them on just about everything, even a rumble lid closure on a '31 Roadster. I know Speedway sells a lot of junk, but I can speak good for those latches.

 

[Old Iron]

Isn't that something how we're satisfied with what we have but when we go and sell it, it has to be better?
Maybe that's why the person buying it like it? [S
Just my take on it because, I do the same thing.

 

[sneakysnake]

Check the foreign stuff, they will have a thinner door.Look for something with as flat of a mount it will transer easier.

 

[Snake Farm]

I have a friend who swears by Subaru latches, gets them for next to nothing at local yards. Sorry I don't know what models or years but I'm sure they are all similar and have been for years. Hope this helps.

 

[kelseydum]

Thanks guys. I'll check the subarus. From the way they look the speedway one's do look the easiest to mount. I'll let u know.

 

[kelseydum]

Update!

Found some that I think should work and should be fairly easy to find. I got them from a '93 Geo Storm. These came from the hatchback latches... and there were two of them. I was also thinking tailgate latches might work too but then I found these. The dimensions are 1 7/8" wide but I think they can have the outside lip ground down to about 1 1/2"; the thickness is about 7/8" but when trimmed about 3/4"; they are right at about 4" long but might be able to be trimmed a tad if needed. The little latch arm sticks out an extra 5/8" or so.

They were about $13 at the local pick-n-pull here. Hope this helps some of my fellow rodders.

 

[Krooser]

I like scrounging stuff from the wrecking yards... way more fun than ordering on-line...