How to Build Race Car Door Latches
While many race car drivers have to climb through the window to get behind the wheel, some race cars actually have doors that open. With weight savings being priority one for race car builders, it is only natural that door latches have become an area where builders look to save weight. Production latches are purposely built to withstand thousands of opening and closing cycles by people not so concerned about being careful. They are built from heavy materials to withstand the rigors of yanking, slamming and jerking. Race-only vehicles have door latches made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum, that are opened and closed with caution and care so they do not break.
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Center punch
- Hack saw
- Small electric grinder
- Electric drill motor
- Drill bits
- Clevis
- Wrenches
Instructions
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1
Remove factory door latch (if so equipped), being careful to not harm the rod attached to the locking/latching mechanism.
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2
Locate the position that is most comfortable for the driver to reach to open the door. Mark position of new latch on the inside of the door with hammer and center punch.
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3
Drill bolt hole for new latch handle with electric drill and drill bit. Make opening for new latch in door, if needed, with hacksaw or small electric grinder.
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4
Slide new latch through opening created in door and secure with bolt through new bolt hole. Attach original pull rod from lock-latch mechanism to new latch with new clevis. Assure new latch has sufficient range of movement to actuate door latch.
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5
When satisfied with operation of new door latch, tighten all connections with wrench.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When using Lexan windows, it is typical to mount inside latch where it can be activated through a small hole in the window from outside the vehicle. Cars with fiberglass doors typically use this type of latch to open the door from both the inside and outside of the vehicle. Cars with steel doors typically keep the stock exterior latch to open the door from the outside; however, they can use the optional hole through the window method to save weight.
Make sure door latch secures completely once new latch is installed.
