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The door latches that come with the Hurricane kit are duplicates of what was used on the original cars. But that's where the replication ends. The latch handles/boxes are put on upside down, if you follow the instructions. And the male latch part mounting - it's just plain sloppy. (Sorry, Mike and Rich, you could have done better here).
Turning the handle right side up is no big deal. Just be aware the male latch protrudes thru the catch so you need some clearance under the box. A touch with a die grinder and all is well. I filled in the notch that was supplied and glassed over the surface of the new notch.
NOTE: some guys have commented about the quality of the latches. Be aware the little lever is DEAD-soft. If you pull it on an angle, IT WILL BEND (please, don't ask how I know, but if careful, it can be straightened).
For mounting the striker, I thought I could just modify the strap iron, welding them to the frame hoop. I did this but then realized I just lost one plane of the adjustment I would need.
I
ended up cutting them off an building a mounting plate from 12ga. sheet. I
formed a 3 x 5 sheet into a channel by applying heat and forming the legs in
a vise with a hammer (Poor-man's press brake). I then cut out the clearance
notch and added four 1/4 x 3/4 slots for the mounting. I then welded these
to the frame hoop.
All done, I was very pleased with the new appearance. (Sorry, the picture doesn't do the bracket justice. I'll repost a different picture after I clean up and paint.
©2009 - Paul R. Proefrock
Ford, Cobra,
I'm not associated with these trademark holders in any way. I am not a
mechanic nor do I play one on TV.
I just enjoy working on this car as a hobby and make no claims that
if you follow the information on my website that you will be safe or
successful in your build. I am not responsible for you doing something
stupid and getting hurt while working on your car.
Even if I managed to do it first.
Let your conscious be your guide and use your own judgment before you
incorporate any of the information I have displayed on this website into
your cobra car.
Credit to Ryan Cassidy for this notation - I think it says it all and
correctly.