Folks, I hope this is the right thread to post in - I have a '72 Sprint, and I'm seriously considering shaving the handles, and making it a solenoid/autopopper setup. Have any of ya'll done this, or know someone you could refer me to? Couple of questions involving neccessary spring strength, Brands/Kits/or parts to use, as well as special notes on installation. Right now windows/doors/locks are all 'manual' but I would like to also get a *good* alarm system as well.

any input would be great!

I used door lock actuators on my car and not solenoids. I took the latch assembly out of the door and then welded brackets to the latch mechanism to mount the actuator to. I made sure I was getting full travel out of the actuator by adjusting the length of the release lever arm by extending it away from the pivot point. Once you get it all working you can test it on the work bench before installing it into the door.
Once you get an idea where you want to mount and weld on brackets onto the latch assembly I would soak the latch in some cleaning solution to remove all of the old oil and grease and then re-lube it once it’s clean.
Run a separate power and ground wire from the actuator from inside the door into the interior of the car and do not use the door as a ground.
Run separate fusing for the left and right door so if one fails the other will still work. You may also see if there is a way to put in a flexible pull cable (like an inside hood release cable assembly) to give you a mechanical way of unlatching the doors should there be a power failure.
After you get them in and working you may not need the door popper springs as there may be enough tension from the weatherstrips to push the door open.
Also make sure the doors are lined up properly and adjust the hinges if needed so there is no added strain on the latch mechanism. You want the door to open nice and smooth and not get hung up on the latch pin.
Jim

Go to the search engine at the top of the page and input "shaved". Their is a lot of information on it.