mdeslyper

76 vette.
The clip holding the rod barrel swivel pin to the door opener mechanism broke and the pin disconnected from the hole in the mechanism. Now the outside handle will not open the door.

I have a new clip, but it looks impossible to get it installed. Who has done this? Is there an easy way to get it installed?

Thanks

65GGvert

Got a picture?

doorgunner

I just found out there are "right-hand" and "left-hand" clips.....they will not interchange.

Last night I found a "variety pack" of clips at Pep Boys until I can order the correct clips.

BKarol

I assume you mean this one? http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...lock-rod-clip/

Did one on a 77 last year. Impossible no but helps if you or someone helping has small hands to get in the opening to slide it on. When replacing a handle the instructions always say to just slide the clip a little to remove the pin because you don't want it to fall off. Frustrating and took some time.

bj1k

Any time you are working on anything to do with the door latches , take the two bolts out of the upper part of the rear glass track and move the top part of the track forward. It will give you plenty of room to get your hand in there.

Red Vert 02

Just did my outside door handle and latch on the 69. I did not have to mess with the window or tracks. If your arms aren't too muscle bound (big) or too short the easiest way is to put the window all the up, remove the access cover at the center bottom of the door, and reach all the way up to the door lock. You can easily put the clip on by feel and pop the rod swivel back on. Make sure you put the clip back on the correct way so you can get the swivel back off easily if ever needed. You will have to take the lock water shield off if it's still there.
The latch comes out and in the same way.

mdeslyper

Thanks for the input. I have not tried the last method (coming up from the bottom thru door access hole). Will try this weekend.

Mike

Vette Fetish

Strange that I am reading this today! I took possession of my 73 last Friday. The drivers door was open when I got in so I had no idea the door would not close well or open at all using the outside door handle. The door panel fits extremely well, door alignment is perfect as well as door sill.

Now in order to drive the 73 I get in the passengers door, use the inside door handle to open the DAMN door.Gezzzz and to think I PAID a professional to cause me all this grief.

hotrodnick

I had my wife reinstall my new handle in my 79. Even with her small hands it was a tough job.

mdeslyper

Spent 2hrs today trying to get the barrel swivel pin installed with the clip. I loosened the latch mechanism from the door to give me added movement but still a no go. Clip kept moving and falling off when pin got close tot the hole. Tried reaching through the bottom of the door with one hand and had the other hand through the top hole.

How did they do this on the assembly line!!!!
Frustrated!!

Red Vert 02

The clip is supposed to be an interference fit on the arm. Try lightly squeezing it with pliers before sliding it on.
On the assembly line I'm pretty sure the door latch/lock /handle were installed before the window tracks and glass.

bj1k

Not a big deal to move the top of the rear window channel forward. Takes 10 seconds to remove the two 7/16 bolts and slide the top of the track forward giving you plenty of room to work in there . Make sure the window is down.

BKarol

"Make sure you put the clip back on the correct way".

When you slide the retaining clip on it should stay in place securely and then you snap the barrell pin in. Look at picture #9 here:http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/4696/
Is that the orientation you have?

Is it possible you have the clip flipped? just a thought.

mdeslyper

After another hour or so on Sunday I got it back together - Whew.

Clip is oriented correctly.
Everything is working great now.

Thanks for the tips.

Mike