Door Latch Repair/Replacement?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 7
Door Latch Repair/Replacement?
The driver's side door latch doesn't seem to be working. It's not loose, so when I pull the latch to open the door I can feel it pushing against something like it should. It just doesn't release from the body and open. It opens fine with the inside latch though.
Any ideas for basic repair or should I just get a whole new door latch? If so, where can I find one? Thanks.
Any ideas for basic repair or should I just get a whole new door latch? If so, where can I find one? Thanks.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
While I'm currently have a different problem with my door, this might help. The easiest way to see whats happening is to remove the door panel. There are various rods that actuate the door's lock/open/close function.
Here's how to remove the panel: remove the two screws on the upper part of the panel, remove the two screws from the clips on the lower part of the door, remove the two screws that hold on the door pull, remove the clip from behind the window crank and remove the clip behind the unlock/lock ****. If you don't have the clip removal tool, just use a coarse string behind the window crank and **** and do a 'tooth flossing' action.
Be very careful that you see where the clips might land. Next carefully remove the plastic cover that is stuck to the door with a goo like tar.
Sounds like a lot to do, but it really isn't. By the way, this is for a '69 Vette.
I ordered my parts from Corvette America, go to their website and get to the online catalog (doors). It shows some good layouts of the inside of the door and the various parts that they sell.
Hope this helps, Mike
Here's how to remove the panel: remove the two screws on the upper part of the panel, remove the two screws from the clips on the lower part of the door, remove the two screws that hold on the door pull, remove the clip from behind the window crank and remove the clip behind the unlock/lock ****. If you don't have the clip removal tool, just use a coarse string behind the window crank and **** and do a 'tooth flossing' action.
Be very careful that you see where the clips might land. Next carefully remove the plastic cover that is stuck to the door with a goo like tar.
Sounds like a lot to do, but it really isn't. By the way, this is for a '69 Vette.
I ordered my parts from Corvette America, go to their website and get to the online catalog (doors). It shows some good layouts of the inside of the door and the various parts that they sell.
Hope this helps, Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 877
Likes: 1
From: Irving texas
i too am having the same problem, although i have already removed the door panel, im having a hard time removing the outside handle/latch.
my passenger side handle is completely broken, but i have a new one.
so i dont know if it works.
my drivers does not work but is complete, it does not seem like the rods are pushing far enough so can i just twist? the rod to extend it ?
my passenger side handle is completely broken, but i have a new one.
so i dont know if it works.
my drivers does not work but is complete, it does not seem like the rods are pushing far enough so can i just twist? the rod to extend it ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 7
Well unfortunately for me, the smartass who owned the car before decided to fix his issue with deteriorating door panels by covering them in some sort of cloth so I can see where the screws are to remove it. I guess I'll just go ahead and buy new door panels now so that when I take this crap off I can just replace them.
I was looking on corvette america and it seems like they sell parts to replace on the door panel but not a whole door panel. anyone have any idea where i can get one?
I was looking on corvette america and it seems like they sell parts to replace on the door panel but not a whole door panel. anyone have any idea where i can get one?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Most Corvette aftermarket supply outfits sell the door panels in three different configurations: "Plain/Basic"-panel core covered with vinyl but NO hardware; "Standard"-Basic Panel with hardware already attached; "Deluxe Panel"-Standard panel with insert and carpet trim to match "deluxe interior" option ordered on car. Most also sell the individual trim hardware, wood and carpet inserts, and window felts separately. If your hardware trim is in good condition, you can save a significant amount of money transferring your hardware over to a new "Basic" door panel.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 7
Most Corvette aftermarket supply outfits sell the door panels in three different configurations: "Plain/Basic"-panel core covered with vinyl but NO hardware; "Standard"-Basic Panel with hardware already attached; "Deluxe Panel"-Standard panel with insert and carpet trim to match "deluxe interior" option ordered on car. Most also sell the individual trim hardware, wood and carpet inserts, and window felts separately. If your hardware trim is in good condition, you can save a significant amount of money transferring your hardware over to a new "Basic" door panel.
