Upgrade From Solenoids to Actuators

[Midnight Specialist]

I'm considering replacing my solenoids with actuators. Has anyone else done this and, if so, did you have to re-adjust torsion bar due to lighter weight?

[Bitsyncmaster]

It does not change it that much so you won't need to readjust.

[WHO1DMC]

This is just my own experience. I put in a new set of struts on and switched out the solenoid with actuators around the same time so I ended up needing to detorque by two splines. I do suspect that at one time they were over torqued to compensate for bad struts. So it will depend on how your doors react when done.


My .02

Dave B.

[Jonathan]

I replaced the door lock solenoids with actuators in both my doors and did not need to adjust the torsion bars. They are noticeably lighter though. Not so much that I was willing to risk mucking with the torsion bars.

If you want to see or feel for yourself just how strong that torsion bar and gas strut combo can be, carefully let go of the door while you are in the middle of that swap out job. You need to take the upper and lower trim panels off as well as much of the armrest and fasteners and once you also get the original solenoids out, you'll see how much difference that weight makes. As an added bonus, try it with the toll booth window glass removed. That's probably the single heaviest item in the door that will affect the weight and torsion bar balance when it's removed.

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[steve]

Jonathan would you mind telling me what product you used. I also would like to do this.

Thanks in advance
Steve

[Jonathan]

Jonathan would you mind telling me what product you used. I also would like to do this.

Thanks in advance
Steve

I got my upgrade kit from Toby at DPNW. This was when he was still a DMC franchise. I searched and was glad to see he still has his parts website going.

https://www.delorean-parts.com/product/wings-a-loft-door-lock-upgrade-dlm-system-w-o-3-pin-connectors/

I am not sure if that was the exact version I got because the part number I got was slightly different. Mine was a K2500DP-DS.

I would look at what he offers and see what suits you best. Or give him a call and find out together. I found that no one in the DeLorean parts business gives better instructions on their parts than Toby. It's a real treat getting his stuff because you know it's been well thought through and is going to work. I would not hesitate to get other stuff from him.

[DavidProehl]

When I first replaced my solenoids I zip tied in a diving weight like this to add more weight back in. My doors were already banging at the top when opening with heavy solenoids in, I didn't want to make it worse.

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Since I needed to adjust my torsion bars anyway, I removed the weight when I finally got around to making the adjustment.

[dn010]

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?9926-How-To-Door-lock-solenoid-REPLACEMENT-with-actuator

or if you want to use the "flat" actuators that DPNW uses they're on ebay for $19 "2 pieces slim fit universal door lock actuator 2 wire lock unlock shallow" but you need to custom make your own brackets and wiring.

[BLWNAWY]

I got my upgrade kit from Toby at DPNW. This was when he was still a DMC franchise. I searched and was glad to see he still has his parts website going.
His solenoid replacement kit, like his door opener kit, had no relation to his DMC franchise. They are both updates of kits I developed around 1988 and have no competitors I am aware of. The wiring can be tricky but Toby can guide you through it. And yes you can probably back off the torsion bars a notch or two.