vettsplit 63

I have gotten to the point of putting the door locks in my 63. Have new door locks, lock bezels, bezel gaskets and retainers. Since the 63's have the raised pad on the handle and doorlock, does it take a longer lock? I can't get the retainer to slide under the 'ears' that retain the lock into the door. Should they be longer or are they all the same? Thks.

Rich Yanulis

In 1963 from the factory, gaskets were not installed under the bezel.

I'll bet that is your problem.

vettsplit 63

Thanks Rich. I'll try that

rene-paul

Rich is spot on! Did you get them on?
Brgds,
Rene

vettsplit 63

At work now, will try it this eve. Will advise.

scott1963vette

I had to leave out the gaskets on my 63 locks and it was still tough to get the retainers on.

vettsplit 63

Wow! Got them in-- just a little tech note for anyone else who may have this little project to do.....

1. Rich and Scott- You are right- Throw the gaskets away. No way in HeII are they gonna go on a 63 with the gaskets in.

2. If you get new bezel escutcheons for the locks, make sure the little tab is on the side rather than top or bottom.

3. Be super careful to hold the lock flush while putting the retainer on the ears- lots of pressure pulling sideways on the lock while you are tapping the retainer in , and you can have an uh-oh on the outside paint real easy.

4. I put a bend in the leading edge of the retainer to help me start it- don't worry about it being too loose when finished- it won't be.

5. Have your wife/gf hold the door lock flush with the outside when you start tapping the retainer in place. (Also make sure that you have the lock right side up- chk with the key)- also send pics of wife/gf

6. I supported the inside of the lock with my free hand while I tapped the retainer in with a small hammer on the end of the retainer, once I had it started. Helps to secure lock in place.

7. The outside lock rods that CC sends need a little bending to shorten/manipulating to lock/unlock the door. They are about 3/8" longer than the factory one.

8. Budweiser X3

Maybe it is easier for someone who does it all the time, but it was a beotch for me.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

JohnZ

9. Midyears didn't use door lock cylinder gaskets, although the vendors love to sell them.

vettsplit 63

Thanks John- I did get to thinking after I had everything in place. Got to wondering about spraying the back side of the escutcheon with a really thin coating of teflon/ something to protect the paint and letting it dry, when doing this project. Really made me nervous, metal to paint.

rene-paul

Good job! IPA is a better helper than your Bud, JMHO!
Brgds,
Rene

vettsplit 63

Thanks for your help.