Door lock actuator

[GM_Guy]

Alright, since the aero/whale guys are useless =-) I've just gone and gotten some late model actuators in hand. Only problem now, since I don't have any spare box lock actuators any more, I'm back to square one for now.

Anybody have a front and/or rear box lock actuator laying around? Could you make a couple measurements? k? thanks.

Observations with the new actuators: They are smoooooooth. I don't see any issue with mounting them, and it will take drilling out the rivet this time to bolt the new mount in. I may need to make a coupler if rod lengths are not good (no big deal, use them in my truck (how nice, Ford parts in my GM truck, GM parts into my MGM) Of course, I'd like to know if I need to make a coupler before I need to change an actuator (which invariably happens on the coldest, windiest day of winter). So if someone has some measurements it would be appreciated.

Incidently, box actuators are cake to remove... The late model hook is a bear to get out (especially if you did not anticipate having to remove/loosen a latch to do it the easy way).

Alex.

[sly]

or do what Dave did and just drill a hole lower on the door and mount it there.

[87gtVIC]

Yeah that is what I did. Swapped on the box rod and mounted accordingly.

[sly]

I don't see why the aero rod wouldn't work though... just poke it in from behind instead of in front like the Z/L rod.

[87gtVIC]

I did this so many years ago so I have no idea why my dad and I didn't try it that way. One reason may have been because it was a whale actuator...don;t know the difference between the looks of the aero and whale rods so I can't say much more.

[GM_Guy]

I use existing holes for my projects whenever possible. This is one of those times. =-)

Using the whale rod is no big deal, if you got the twist lock plastic bushings you can straighten out the short down leg and slip it in easily.

If the whale rod is longer, bend in a new hook. (hence the need for measurements--plan out accordingly for when the need arrises). With luck, it'll be the same dimensions.

Swapping the box rod is a no-go. Completely different motor design. The lock rod is free spinning in a shaft that just moves up and down, unlike our motors which drive the rod in and out directly. See attached, randomn, not necessarily a ford, "modern" actuator;

Alex.

[sly]

ooo... technical porn. I like knowing how stuff works.

no wonder the newer actuators never freeze up... when they fail, they just break.

[87gtVIC]

I dont remember what I did then,

[GM_Guy]

Mustang or truck lock actuator maybe? Same motor, different rod length.

Since box style actuators are pretty much impossible to source here now, time to move on to the "new" stuff. I just want to prepare them, if necessary, so when I need it, I just need to bolt it in and be done without having to dick around with it when the weather is probably utter crap.

Alex.

[87gtVIC]

No it was from a Crown Victoria police car and the newer style..just not sure with teh year off the top of my head. I have responded to threads years back with the proper information though.

[GM_Guy]

Maybe 92-9x then. I got these actuators out of a 02 or 03 townie and 98 mgm.