Our AutoLoc shaved door handle...
Our AutoLoc shaved door handle package included a solenoid for each door, and remote controls that are available with as many as 16 channels. On our application, one four-channel remote operates locking, unlocking, opening the drivers door, and opening the passenger door. AutoLoc offers six different solenoids in power grades ranging from 12 pounds to 108 pounds. This 35-pound unit should be more than adequate to unlatch the mechanism on just about any car or truck door. A separate door kicker spring actually pops the door open.
This 56 there has no...
This 56 there has no original lock button. The door is locked by activating the handle, which means that the door is unlocked and opened at the same time. The handle and stock door-latch mechanism were retained for this installation.
The solenoid is connected...
The solenoid is connected to the door latch by a cable that operates the latch mechanism to open the door. The actuator is connected to the lock release mechanism by a rod. Both the cables and rod were measured and cut to length after mounting locations were determined for the solenoid and actuator (the solenoid is already fastened to the mounting bracket with two screws). Remember that the actuator and the lock mechanism at the latch must both be installed in the unlocked or locked position for the system to work.
Take a closer look at how...
Take a closer look at how the cable and rod connect to this latch. The solenoid cable (A) attaches to the mechanism that opens the door. Allow a little slack so that the solenoid is moving when tension is exerted on the cable. The rod from the actuator (B) attaches to the door lock lever.
With the latch reinstalled,...
With the latch reinstalled, Bryan let the solenoid and actuator hang to double-check their positions and determine the best place to mount them, allowing plenty of room for adequate cable and rod movement.
The three screws indicate...
The three screws indicate where Bryan mounted the solenoid. He chose the jamb because it is unnoticeable when the door is closed. However, because of the door contours, Bryan could only use two of the predrilled mounting holes, so he drilled another in the center of the bracket.
Mounting the actuator is more...
Mounting the actuator is more critical because the solid rod is not flexible. It must travel straight up and down, pulling and pushing the locking mechanism. Bryan found a suitable location directly below the latch.
The inner doorskin on the...
The inner doorskin on the pickup required that Bryan do a little cutting to run the wiring. He drilled access holes in the jambs with an air nibbler. He chose to hardwire the system as opposed to using contactors, which are popular but break the circuit to the speakers and power windows. The spring-loaded door popper, located just above the wiring, is about $20 from AutoLoc. It opens the door a few inches and is a recommended accessory when switching to a power opener.
The microprocessor controlling...
The microprocessor controlling the power locks (above), and the receiver for the remote control (below) are mounted out of the way underneath the dash.
Wiring the system is as easy...
Wiring the system is as easy as matching color to color, with black wiring for the ground.
Are you the only rodder at the show n shine clumsily fumbling for the correct key to open the door of your hot rod while everybody else nonchalantly pops theirs open from 20 feet away? Get with it and upgrade to power door locks. AutoLoc has a variety of power door lock conversion kits for all car and truck applications, including remote entry and alarm systems. You can do the installation in a morningat least Bryan Allen at Hot-Wire in Ventura, California, can. Bryan walked us through the installation of AutoLocs remote entry power door lock system and a shaved door handle system (a solenoid latch kit triggered by the same remote) on this 56 Ford pickup. Disassembling the doors, which we did not do for this installation, would make the job a little easier, but, as youll see, its not necessary.