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I’m getting ready to install the door latch mechanisms, locks, window regulators and electric motors into the doors of my 73 Coupe.
I’ve been watching some videos and going through the AIM and the Parts and Accessories Catalog.
The videos, AIM and PAC show a plastic latch shield that is installed over the latch mechanism inside the door.
My 73 was missing the shields in both doors when I disassembled them.
For those of you who have rebuilt the door latch mechanisms, were the shields in your doors?
Are they necessary?
I’ve been hunting for a set, but can’t find them.
Any ideas of where I can get a set?
Thanks in advance.
Greg
These are a couple screen shots from videos.
Last edited by OldCarBum; May 24, 2026 at 11:43 PM.
That's a anti-theft device. Makes it nearly impossible to open latch with a slim Jim or coat hanger.
Personally, I'd leave em out. Ya never know when you might lock your keys in the car.
OCB
My 69 has the shields. I put them back in. I think they provide protection from water and rain as well as being anti-theft devices. My lock mechanism looked perfect after all these years!
If you can't find some I know of guy close to where I live that might have some. He has tons of c3 parts.
4-Vettes & VERYSOON, After doing some more searching, you are correct. I think they add some additional security and protection from the elements.
Alan71, As usual your post are very helpful.
I’ll contact Gee and see if they have a set.
rv7flyer, I will search some for a set. I found some available on eBay but only for the drivers side and the ones offered for sale all look pretty rough in the pictures so I imagine they are in even worse shape than shown.
I will probably leave them out if I can’t locate a good used or NOS set somewhere.
My 73 was repainted by a prior owner about 30 years ago so the shop probably removed and tossed them back then.
Oh well I can see I’ll never get Bloomington Gold.
Hello,
I'm not sure about not having them.
They must have been thought to useful or Chevy would have saved the couple of dollars on each car!
Regards.....
I’d check your A.I.M. for the part number… There are at least two, maybe three different versions of these parts. I think that they are all interchangeable, but I’d check just to make sure that you are getting the correct version.
As mentioned, these were originally installed to make theft more difficult and in a secondary sense, to divert water away from the latch mechanism. I know that at least one of the two screw heads is visible when the part is installed, so if nothing else, putting them back in will fill that hole in the door jamb!
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Last edited by Rowdy Rat; May 25, 2026 at 03:50 PM.
Hey Stan,
Thanks for chiming in.
The AIM and PAC show they are the same for 70-74.
The part numbers are 3966773 and 3966774 for the left and right door shields.
The seals that are attached to the top of the shields are the same for 69-74 and part numbers are 3966779 and 3966780.
The seals look like they can be made of thin rubber so if I can’t find the seals I could always make some.
The search continues.
ocb
I'll get you a pic of mine tomorrow. They are sitting in my shop awaiting my new paint. I had quite a disaster in the ice storm causing all this crap.
vs
I also found a set on EBay that do look to be in good condition.
During this build I’ve had to source a few items from EBay or buying them used on line from a corvette vendor.
I’ve been burned several times, spent a lot of money for parts that are similar but end up being for an incorrect year, the parts are crud or not even for a Corvette.
The set on EBay are way over priced and and I’m hesitant to lay down the amount of cash they are asking.
I also found a set on EBay that do look to be in good condition.
During this build I’ve had to source a few items from EBay or buying them used on line from a corvette vendor.
I’ve been burned several times, spent a lot of money for parts that are similar but end up being for an incorrect year, the parts are crud or not even for a Corvette.
The set on EBay are way over priced and and I’m hesitant to lay down the amount of cash they are asking.
I feel for you, I've been burned a few times too. A local guy has a 454 from a truck on FB saying it came out of and 82 Corvette!
Is this what you're looking for?
1970-1977 C3 CORVETTE DOOR LATCH LEFT LOCK SHIELD-USED. GM PART NUMBER 3958733
1970-1977 C3 CORVETTE DOOR LATCH LOCK SHIELD-USED. GM PART NUMBER 3958734
That’s exactly what I keep finding in a search.
Thanks for looking them up but those are not the correct part numbers and the year models listed are off in the add.
I had posted the correct part numbers and correct year models in post #9.
Thanks again.
Plastic Latch Shield In Doors?
