Non standard door latching.....what to do?

[dwarner]

Charles,

That is the exact same thing I told you to do three weeks ago.

DW

[Cajun Kid]

Dan, yes... but someone else told me that the Bear Claws are Ok... I am going to take your original advice and get an "official understanding".

Thanks again,

Charles.

FYI- This may be a mute point for the Vicky as I just unloaded my next LSR project. A 53 Studebaker Champion.
If all works out this will be my primary LSR car in "Race Only Trim"  and the Vicky will be Street, Show, Cruise In and Race at Maxton only.. I just hope  with the Bear Claws I have on now I can tech to at least 150MPH for Maxton.

Have a great Holiday Weekend to All...

[427MG]

I'll be watching this thread with interest as I've converted my MG from the old style slam locks to the more secure two stage bearclaw latch with flush fitted Jag handles on the outside.
As far as I could work out from the rule books (last year!) these were acceptable as, when the door is closed, the latch part of the mechanism completely encircles the pin on the door frame and so completely locks it into place.

Now would be a good time to find out that they're ok before I put the car into paint!

[Stan Back]

427 --

I think I'd be more concerned about the missing (and reconfigured) doors!

Stan

[427MG]

427 --

I think I'd be more concerned about the missing (and reconfigured) doors!

Stan

Yep, I think I've just stopped worrying about that as that seems to be stopping us fitting in any classes.

The problem is that with stock front doors and a full cage I can't get in and out without serious chance of dislocating something so I shortened the rear doors and moved the B pillars back 10". With the new length front doors I now have more room.

It seems drag racing in the UK only will be all I can do.

Still, at least the doors are secure!

[Cajun Kid]

427,  Hey I am a big guy to and do understand the problem with getting in and out of smaller cars or cars from the vintage era.  Why do you think I have a 33 Vicky (sedan) yep because it has big doors , and I set in the back seat.. LOL...

Don't let not fitting into a class bother you.. you can still run as long as you pass safety tech. NOT for a record in a class, bit worst case  "Time Only"  than at USFRA  you can run both time only and 150 Club.  There has to be some sort of Modified or Altered class you can run (you may not come close to the record but at least you could run full out and see what the car will do, or fall back to time only class..

Don't just drag race..  You can run LSR... Just do it...

Charles

[427MG]

Thank you Charles, your comments are much appreciated!

Sorry about the thread hijack, back on track....


I'll email the rules people as well to try and get a final definition on whether or not a secondary latch will be required.

[Stan Back]

427 --

I'd be careful about tinking that you might be able to run Bonneville Time Only after shipping the MG across the pond.  As I understand it, vehicles running T.O. must meet the safety requirements of the class the most-likely would be (?) if the fit in a class.  You might be looking at B/Gas Competition Coupe with a record of 263 and the safety requirements therewith.

I'd sure find out before I ordered up the shipping container.

Stan

[Cajun Kid]

427..

Here is pics of the bear claws installed.

3/4" Solid Door Post


Step One Claw all the way open (Unlatched)



Step Two Claw in first catch position



Step Three Claw 360 Degrees around latch post.




Hope this Helps.

Charles

[Cajun Kid]

427,

As to being a big boy and needin big doors here are a few shots of my doors

See I am a big boy too

[Sumner]

Hey Charles the car looks great.  I know you want to show the car also, but a clean secondary latch system would just enhance the race car appearance that in my mind has a lot more appeal to people walking a car show and would just be one more step to separate it from all the belly button street rods.

c ya,

Sum

[Cajun Kid]

Sum,  Yes my friend you are correct.  As you can see it already separates itself  from what you would normally see at the local car shows and cruise ins.. (hmm even more so when I crank her up)

I am currently searching for a secondary safety latch system design that will enhance safety and work from inside and outside the car easily and as well be simple to install and not look to "industrial".

[Cajun Kid]

Sum,  how does Hooley's  doors latch on the Stude?

Next month we start the build on my 53 Stude and I was not sure what I need to do on it since the doors on it will open normally, not backwards like on my Vicky.

If you have any close up pics let me know, On one pic I saw of his car it looks like he has a hole/slot through the Lexan  Windows in each door with a door release latch/lever there?

Charles

[427MG]

Stan,

  This is why I'm tring to do my homework now and, to be honest, it's not looking good. This is what happens when you start a build before ever considering the salts. Oh well...

Charles,

  That's an impressive looking ride, it looks so simple and clean inside not even a trans tunnel to be seen. 
   I have a new rule book winging it's way across the pond as we speak, I think a lot more reading could be in order for me.
 

[Cajun Kid]

427,

There is a bellhousing tunnel off the firewall for the tranny, but you are correct no driveshaft "tunnel" going into the cab of the car. The floorboard is flat and the driveshaft runs in loops under the floor and between the frame rails and cross members.

I will try to get you a pic later tonight.

Charles