step-down door latch plate

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Noticed I have two different style plates ,- is the left one a newer style and better plate ??

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    The plate on the left is one that was produced from 51-53. The one on the right was produced from 48-50. A third type was produced for the 54 model year and does not interchange with the other two styles. Your observation is correct the left style superceeded the other style as a better latch mechanism. Too many people were breaking windows by slamming their doors. The real problem was that you have to keep those latch plates tightened and adjusted. If you don't they get loose and its harder for the door to lock thus causing people to slam the door shut,subsequently breaking windows.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I seem to have to tighten the latch plates on my '50 Pacemaker Deluxe(!) at least once a year despite having replaced the original screws and star washers. Once tightened down, the doors close shut and flush against the body without much force. Is this having to tighten the latch plates on occasion typical for stepdowns from 48-50?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Yes it is. That was the main reason for the part design change. Even with the 51-3 latch plates you still need to keep them tight. When Hudson came out with the Jet, all that changed. The design of the star wheel latch for the 53 Jet was the better design so all Hudsons for 54 used it. The problem with that is that 54 stepdown doors will not interchange with earlier years because of the change in the latch mechanism .
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Are the 51-53 style plates available aftermarket anywhere? I've got very worn out 49 latch plates on my car at the moment...
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    The Eshelman's in ID make reproduction strike plates in the '51-'63 style. They are in the Roster.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    RL Chilton wrote:
    The Eshelman's in ID make reproduction strike plates in the '51-'63 style. They are in the Roster.



    Here is Genes E-bay listing for the striker plates:



    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230399410158
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Hudzilla wrote:
    Yes it is. That was the main reason for the part design change. Even with the 51-3 latch plates you still need to keep them tight. When Hudson came out with the Jet, all that changed. The design of the star wheel latch for the 53 Jet was the better design so all Hudsons for 54 used it. The problem with that is that 54 stepdown doors will not interchange with earlier years because of the change in the latch mechanism .



    Even the '54 design had problems, in that the latch is made of die-cast, and the teeth wear badly on the inner surface, causing shutting and latching problems. I have had new bronze ones cast for my Jet, end of problem.

    Geoff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hudzilla wrote:
    Yes it is. That was the main reason for the part design change. Even with the 51-3 latch plates you still need to keep them tight. When Hudson came out with the Jet, all that changed. The design of the star wheel latch for the 53 Jet was the better design so all Hudsons for 54 used it. The problem with that is that 54 stepdown doors will not interchange with earlier years because of the change in the latch mechanism .
    Thanks for the information! I always thought this problem was unique to my Pacemaker.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Follow on question....



    I have one '50 Pacemker door that will not open unless I pull up the lock button a little.



    When I had the door panel off, I found no adjustment linkages to correct this. I only have to pull it 1/8 on an inch. I see no real movement in the lock system.



    Any suggestions?
This discussion has been closed.

Categories

In this Discussion