Hello,
Wanting to change my 1976 manual door locks to automatic door key fob type. What is the best kit to buy to accomplish this while the car is being restored.
Thanks.
I put power locks in my 77 a few years back while I had the doors apart. I got a cheap kit off Amazon. They don't carry that one anymore but this one is nearly identical:
Keyless Entry System with Two 4-Button Remotes & 4 Door Lock Actuators
Installing the lock actuators was pretty simple. They mounted to the window motor covers with no issues and the door panels fit fine with them in place. The rods attach to the existing lock rod pivots (I drilled an extra hole for the new rod).
Wiring was kind of a pain, but what else is new? I fished the lock motor wires through the doorjamb tubes that carry the power window wires. The control unit mounted under the dash on the passenger side, since that was the easiest place to put it.
I chose not to mount a switch anywhere - I just use the keyfobs.
I will look to see if I have pictures, and will update if I find any. Hope that helps.
I’d be interested in seeing pictures of the install if you have any.
Thank you so much for the information, I will try and find one similar to what you have described. Let me know if you find one in the meantime.
Very helpful.
Did your Vette have a factory alarm and did that still work with the "fobs"? Thanks, Jack
Turns out I didn't take pictures of the install, don't know why. I have 10,000 random pictures of everything else lol.
My factory alarm was mostly non-existent when I bought the car so I deleted what little was left. My power locks are a stand-alone feature, just for convenience so I don' t have to lean over to lock the passenger door.
If (when) I take the door panels off I'll try to remember to get a couple pictures. When you see where I put the actuators, the install process becomes self explanatory :-).