I just got back from the San Francisco Rod and Custom show. There was a very clean little AD truck there with this interesting latch idea. The bear claw was mounted in the cab jamb while the striker was on the door. This isn't a totally unique idea, the late Vette has the same setup and there have been others. But it really should work pretty damn good, IF you want no door handles. No wireing to run to the door, it really is pretty cool.

Brian

http://members.aol.com/goodstuff53/latch.jpg

http://members.aol.com/goodstuff53/striker.jpg

Looks like a kool idea !!

When I was doing my bear claw latches I was thinking of doing something similar but decided it would be more difficult than just making a plate for the door that the latch mounts to. I am really happy with bear claw latches when I open or close the door it just goes click and is secure.

Brian,
putting the bear claws in the reverse puts a whole new meaning to remote openers, and just use the handle to pull the door open!
The emergency pull cable can be located below the floor instead of going through the door hinge and under the hood!!

I was at my paint guy's shop last weekend and he has been working on a 1960 El Camino that has the same set up. The only problem is it didn't have any door handles inside. I don't know about anyone else, but I want to be able to get out in my truck if I ever got in a wreak or it cought on fire. Think about it, your motors on fire and you don't have power to the door solenoid and no door handles to get out!

yea I will have my inside handles operate via cable to a handle I know what you mean about being in an accident.

The C6 Vette has electric doors, both inside and out only an electric button. But it does have a manual handle that is next to the seat on the floor.

Brian