1979 Door Latch Hardware
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
1979 Door Latch Hardware
Well the first real non pre existing problem since I took ownership of my vette has happened. Seems that my outer door handle quit working. I took the inner door panel off to see if I could diagnose the problem and found that my hands are too big to really fix the problem without just replacing the hardware. To add insult to injury, the lever that attaches to the outer handle fell off and is now lost inside the door.
So I want to replace the whole latch assembly. Anyone know where to get one? My mid-america catalog doesn't list assemblies for 1979 cars.
So I want to replace the whole latch assembly. Anyone know where to get one? My mid-america catalog doesn't list assemblies for 1979 cars.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,339
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From: Hampton Georgia
Re: 1979 Door Latch Hardware (Simon Alexander)
I had a problem with a 77 door latch last year .You can only get them used .Be careful when installing it,I had a problem with the latch not wanting to release.It is a scary feeling when you cant get your door to open. :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Re: 1979 Door Latch Hardware (Simon Alexander)
My 78 had the problem of the door locked in a closed position...unable to even open the door! That was a trick! But I overcame...the mechanism had frozen up over time and quit working. Some WD 40 fixed the problem.
I took stuff apart to fix and suggest you get a mirror and one of those telescoping magnets to retrieve the linkage or whatever fell. Usually that stuff freezes up and just needs to re relubricated.
If this doesn't do it...there is a C3 new and used parts place called Rik's and I'm sure they'll have what you need. They have a catalog that specializes in C3 parts. Call em at 888 745-7838 and good luck
I took stuff apart to fix and suggest you get a mirror and one of those telescoping magnets to retrieve the linkage or whatever fell. Usually that stuff freezes up and just needs to re relubricated.
If this doesn't do it...there is a C3 new and used parts place called Rik's and I'm sure they'll have what you need. They have a catalog that specializes in C3 parts. Call em at 888 745-7838 and good luck
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
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From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: 1979 Door Latch Hardware (cookin1979)
Just got the new Eckler's 2002 fall/winter catalog. They have all the outer door hardware listed on page 317. From '68 to '82. :)
Looks like I might be better off taking mine out and just rebuilding it. Guess I better go try to find my crow's foot for digging that dang lever out of my door. :rolleyes:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Boone NC home of 3peat National Champs ASU Mountaineers
St. Jude Contributor
Re: 1979 Door Latch Hardware (Simon Alexander)
Had same difficulty with my 79. Took the latch assembly out soaked it in kerosene ,the wd 40 it until it worked. I also replaced a spring on the top part which holds a lever down so the door will unlatch, sure beat 250.00 for a new one. :cheers:
