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Can anyone describe the differences between 56-59 and 60-62 door latches? I have 7 pairs from 58, 60, 61 and 62 cars and have been looking at them every which way but can't see any differences.
I did a search of the Latch ( lock assy. ) part number out of my '62 AIM. I found this illustration that shows a 1st and 2nd type latch. It appears the 1st type latch face is flat and the 2nd type is wider and has two angled surfaces. The striker also appears to have a wider opening. I couldn't find any specific date of this change.
I have some new strikers labelled 56-60 and 61-62. The pic below shows them side by side with the 56-60 on the left. You can see the little machined out area on the right one just to the left of the catch teeth. This would be consistent with the drawings that 62vetteman posted. I measures the gear wheel on the latch assemblies and see a narrow wheel on some (~.41-.42) and ~.48 on others. So I think this is the only difference between the two versions. Given the dimensions, earlier latches can be used on later strikers, but you may have some trouble vice versa. Oddly though the later latches are used with earlier strikers for 1960.
The thinner tooth plate for the 61-62 is also consistent with the pictures of the reproduction strikers on Corvette Central.
Here are the parts I have. I only have one set of internal latches and assume they are original to my 56:
The strikers that came off the car are below. At least one is not original because they are not the same. Castings are different but they both have the earlier thick tooth plate. The circular rubber bumpers are long gone, but the screws are still there.
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Door latch mechanism differences
