2 Questions below regarding availablility of the plastic door latch shield, and outer door lock gaskets. This is for a '69 Corvette.

I finally got out to the garage this afternoon to replace the old, pitted, door handles on my '69. I started on the driver's side and got the panel off. I used to have a '78 years ago, and removed and replaced the outer door handle a couple of times and it wasn't too tough. This '69 was a real pain! I don't know if the access holes are smaller or what, but everything was tighter than I remember.

The plastic shield piece that covers the latch assembly was stuck. I had to drill out one of the screws holding it in, and the captive fastener on the other one broke loose from the plastic. What it comes down to is I need a new one.



You may be able to see the broken plastic just above my helper's fingers. I had to drill out the rear screw, above the brass door guide (which is broken).

I checked my catalogs but couldn't find the shield listed. Corvette Central. Ecklers, Volunteer, Mid America... I'm not sure what it's called, but if anyone knows where I can get one for a '69, probably need both sides, please advise.

Also, the new door lock came with a hard plastic gasket. It was so thick, it made it impossible to get the retainer clip in to hold the lock. I tossed it and cut a piece of tape to use as a gasket. Kind of "bubba", but it worked. I will go try to find a rubber o-ring that will fit instead. Are there any thin rubber or synthetic cork gaskets for this? The hard plastic just won't do.

Thanks!

 

i'm missing the one on my 79 drivers side also, no vendor has them. you might try used parts dealer
www.contemporarycorvette.com

 

Send sales and email, I'm pretty sure we may have some of these form old doors we parted out. We also do have the OEM door lock cylinder gaskets in stock. Willcox@willcoxcorvette.com

 

Lock shield on a 69 ??? I dont recall seeing those until around 77.

 

Does anyone know if these were used on 68' also?
How do you install them and how are they attached?
Thanks,
Kurt

 

The part in the GM book says 69-82.
Attached by screws from the door jamb side.

 

The shield first popped up in 1969 p/n 3966773-4 as a theft deterrent I suppose. In the earlier cars, the fastest way to steal a car was to hammer an ice pick in the door and flip the lock lever with it. I’m not sure of this and it’s only an assumption.

Kurt: The 68 cars did not use this shield.

Willcox Inc.

 

If you use my oil dipstick method you can bypass the tiny hole in the door. I made a video if you care to see it I can PM it to you.

 

I'd be interested in seeing this. Email me the link if you don't mind. Willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om Combined with a slide hammer and a screw driver many a car were gone forever in less than three seconds.

 

I spent several years looking for these shileds and finally got a pair and now I learn that they don't belong on the 68.
Just my luck
Will they FIT on a 68 or not, or is the door different internally?
Kurt

 

Kurt,

They won't fit due to the design changes inside the door from 68-69. But you know f4 may want to take them off your hands if he has not already found a set.

Willcox

 

Thanks for the info and leads. One of the local guys said he might have the shield so I'll see what he says. If not I'll definately be looking. I'll just have to wait on getting everything back together.

I went ahead and cut some new lock gaskets from the extra rubber that came with the door hande gaskets. Not quite perfect, but do the job.

Oh, and test fitting the new outer window seal I found out the hole for the screw near the forward end does not match the existing hole in the door. It's off by about 1/8 inch. The knobby tabs all seem to line up ok, so at least that part works. Guess I'll be drilling a new hole for the screw...

 

Oh, and I don't think the design for the shield stayed the same from 69 - 78 or beyond. I'm pretty sure the 78 one was longer, with not as many dips and bends. But I'm trying to remember 10 or 12 years ago when I had the '78.