74 door handle release problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: CA
74 door handle release problem
Door handle fully depressed will not release latch mech.
It will open if I pull on it. Its like it doesn't have enought
travel. An 1/8" more may do it. This is driving me NUTS. Any ideas?
(This is after 5hrs trying to a-line door P/S)
Thanks glassman74
It will open if I pull on it. Its like it doesn't have enought
travel. An 1/8" more may do it. This is driving me NUTS. Any ideas?
(This is after 5hrs trying to a-line door P/S)
Thanks glassman74
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It's 'POSSIBLE' that you can remove the latch, clean it up, lube it up with some lithium, and reinstall it with fresh adjustments and fix your problem.
However, the stock latches tend to wear down so they don't operate the same as they used to.
I had adjusted mine a few years before I ended up having to replace the latches because the doors would jam shut if I locked them or tried to open them from the outside. My car sat for about a year locked and me not being able to et inside.
Finally I paid a locksmith to Slim Jim the door open, and I was able to get in and replace the latches.
I would suggest replacing them, but again, it may be possible for you to just clean and adjust the problem out.
However, the stock latches tend to wear down so they don't operate the same as they used to.
I had adjusted mine a few years before I ended up having to replace the latches because the doors would jam shut if I locked them or tried to open them from the outside. My car sat for about a year locked and me not being able to et inside.
Finally I paid a locksmith to Slim Jim the door open, and I was able to get in and replace the latches.
I would suggest replacing them, but again, it may be possible for you to just clean and adjust the problem out.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Price Utah
as above
Ditto to what DB said. I had the same problem with my 80. My opinion is if you have to take it all apart anyway save yourself the grief and replace the handle. Then you're good for another 30 years or so.
Good luck
J Bowles
Good luck
J Bowles
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: CA
It's 'POSSIBLE' that you can remove the latch, clean it up, lube it up with some lithium, and reinstall it with fresh adjustments and fix your problem.
However, the stock latches tend to wear down so they don't operate the same as they used to.
I had adjusted mine a few years before I ended up having to replace the latches because the doors would jam shut if I locked them or tried to open them from the outside. My car sat for about a year locked and me not being able to et inside.
Finally I paid a locksmith to Slim Jim the door open, and I was able to get in and replace the latches.
I would suggest replacing them, but again, it may be possible for you to just clean and adjust the problem out.
However, the stock latches tend to wear down so they don't operate the same as they used to.
I had adjusted mine a few years before I ended up having to replace the latches because the doors would jam shut if I locked them or tried to open them from the outside. My car sat for about a year locked and me not being able to et inside.
Finally I paid a locksmith to Slim Jim the door open, and I was able to get in and replace the latches.
I would suggest replacing them, but again, it may be possible for you to just clean and adjust the problem out.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: CA
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: CA
adjusted rod to latch and that did it. Thanks glassman74
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
You're very welcome, and I am glad things have worked out for you. If, and maybe when, that latch gives up for good, you may end up with a stuck door. There IS a way to force the latch when neither handle works so make sure you let me know as I have done this and have a picture and description of how to do it.
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