Did any of the 1st gen Rivs have power locks?

[Hazdaz]

Just curious and if so, can it be retrofit onto a non-power lock car?

[RivNut]

The hot rod guys retrofit power locks into cars from the 30’s and 40’s, I would think you could do it. It should be easy enough with the removable door skins.

[Hazdaz]

Yeah, I figured you could always do that, but if the 1st gens had that as an option, then of course it would be easier. 

 

Its sounding like it was never an option, I take it.

[RivNut]

Never on the Riviera, but it was on some of the full sized models. 

[EmTee]

On 3/29/2021 at 10:47 PM, RivNut said:

Never on the Riviera

 

Interesting (and somewhat surprising)...

[jsgun]

Plan on adding them to my 64. I sourced some lock motors, switches, and lock rods from 90's GM cars at the local pick-a-part. I haven't installed them yet, they fell down to much lower on the list of stuff to do. I figured out I can make a bracket from 1" wide angle aluminum from Lowes, and mount it to the motor's 2 screws closest to the door frame. Then bolt that bracket to the door. The lock rods are different sizes, but i've found sheet metal lock collars that will clip them together. I may have to bend the edge of the door brace to clear, but the rods line right up. Switches will go in the door panel, low down under the arm rest so they can't be tapped with a coat hanger wire.

 

[telriv]

With everything that is available today this should not be a problem of any great concern.

 

Tom T.

Edited April 5, 2021 by telriv (see edit history)