Outside Door Handle Install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Outside Door Handle Install
I pulled this handle off because the spring inside the door handle broke and so it wouldn't return to flush. I repaired that and reinstalled the handle. Now when I try to open the latch with everything together the latch sticks in the open position for a minute and then snaps back up. Is this an adjustment issue with the latch - to - handle rod? I have always had to open this door by clicking the handle twice.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
After trying the install on the other side, it seems pretty apparent this is due to binding. The downrod from the handle to the latch can rotate a little as the handle is actuated. If it rotates into the right position it prevents the latch from springing back to closed. I have not read alot of this with my searches. Probably a small mistake on this install?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
A shot of spray oil to the latch mechanism usually cures that....
heavier the better, I have a oil can squirt gun type gig that uses a combo of ATF and engine oils.....
honestly, used engine oil will work as well.....
heavier the better, I have a oil can squirt gun type gig that uses a combo of ATF and engine oils.....
honestly, used engine oil will work as well.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
Did you install this clip?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
Step#11. You can click on it to enlarge.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1969...-installation/
Just throwing it out there.
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
Step#11. You can click on it to enlarge.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1969...-installation/
Just throwing it out there.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
I did install that clip. The problem is not that the rod pops out (that clip will hold it in place). Your second link shows some good pictures and I will read through that. The downrod is designed as a curve. When I push down on my handles that downrod rotates and the curve swings position. If it swings far enough, it can stick in a position that prevents the latch from springing back to closed.
Maybe this is because the latch is old and obviously a little gummy. But it works on 4 out of 5 handle movements, it is only when this rod "binds" that the latch sticks open. My guess is I'm missing something obvious and I'm doing something wrong.
Right now I have adjusted the length of that rod by spinning the bottom pin. I've got it to where the doors seem to work fine. The only time the handles stick is when you try to actuate them with the door open. Slamming the door shut fixes the handle.... A poor man's fix I guess?
Maybe this is because the latch is old and obviously a little gummy. But it works on 4 out of 5 handle movements, it is only when this rod "binds" that the latch sticks open. My guess is I'm missing something obvious and I'm doing something wrong.
Right now I have adjusted the length of that rod by spinning the bottom pin. I've got it to where the doors seem to work fine. The only time the handles stick is when you try to actuate them with the door open. Slamming the door shut fixes the handle.... A poor man's fix I guess?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 383
Likes: 4
From: Charlotte NC
I just went through redoing my door latches, taking one side completely out at a time and letting it soak in parts cleaner for a few days. After cleaning off overspray, grime, and re-lubing, they work and look great. It was kind of tricky to get each latch out of the car. Didn't cost anything and the end result looks pretty good. Should last another 40 years until I have to do this again.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Lemoore CA
Next time I open up these doors and I will be doing this 100%. For now I got the doors back together by adjusting the downrod length.
The final product still sticks down every once in a while when the latch is manipulated with the door open. Shutting the door triggers the latch to release and return to the closed position. The door seems to be working 100%. For now.
The final product still sticks down every once in a while when the latch is manipulated with the door open. Shutting the door triggers the latch to release and return to the closed position. The door seems to be working 100%. For now.
