Removing Door Latch Rod

[Nick Mesich]

Trying to remove the Door latching Rod from the latch inside the door.

Is there a clip or something that holds the rod into the hole to the laching mechanism.

I can't see inside and it is difficult to feel my way around in the door.

The 3 screws are removed from the end of the door that holds the Latch to the door, pulled out exterior key lock, pulled interior manual lock. Now just need to remove the rod from the hole to pull out the Latch so I can clean it properly.

The Inside door release lever doesn't have enough throw to open up the door. I have to use the exterior door handle to open the drivers side door. So I figured that I would pull the Latch and give it a good clean up in Laquer thinner and use Lithium grease to lubricate.

Thanks in advance

[Wayne W.]

Re: Year would be nice? *NM*

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Year would be nice?

Ya, Good Point Wayne.

Frustration got the better of me..... I know better!

1966 L79 Roadster.

Thanks

[Wayne W.]

Re: Year would be nice?

I assume you mean the slide on clip. If you use a small sharp blade screw driver and lift the front tip then slide the clip off. That will release the connection.

[Dennis B.]

Re: Removing Door Latch Rod

Rick,

I also have a 66 and my driver door had a similar problem. Check your door pull mechanism where the chrome ball mounts. Mine had a broken tab that retained the spring and was very sloppy on the pivot post. Mine always opened but was right at the end of its travel. I got a new door pull mechanism from Paragon part #4082 on page 102. Works great now.

Dennis

[Nick Mesich]

Re: Removing Door Latch Rod

Thanks Wayne and Dennis,

Wayne, Yes that is the clip I am trying to get off. A picture would be great to see the orientation and does it pull up or downward to release?

Dennis, I thought that was my problem as my old door Pull was completely worn out. the spring was broken and a lot of Slop in the door pull pivot, so I ordered a new Pull mechanism from Corvette Central and installed it. It actually made things worse. The door does not open from the inside at all now.

There is no real adjustment to the Door pull Mechanism that is why I searched the Archives here and found that some had success when they pulled out and cleaned hten lubricated their door latch.

Will try this this evening after work.

Thanks Gentlemen,

Nick

[Ken Edmunds]

Re: Removing Door Latch Rod

The problem is in your latch. To get your clip off, insert a small screwdriver or pick under the end of the clip. There is a small tang that sits in a hole in the latch-the tang in the hole locks the clip in place on the latch. Lift the end of the clip and slide the clip down about a quarter of an inch or all the way untill it dangles on the rod, then disengage the rod. Don't worry about reinstalling it now. After you have removed all three rods from the latch, take the 4 screws out of the latch (on the end of the door) and remove the latch. Soak the latch in lacquer thinner or solvent to remove the accumulated grease and debris. Now, hold the latch so the three screw holes are oriented up. Look to the left of the part of the latch that sticks through the door. There is a lever that contacts and moves another lever-seperate those levers and you will see where a notch has been worn in one of the levers causing the problem. The "notch" will need to have a bead of welding applied to it thereby taking up the play in the latch. Now apply those nasty clips to the latch-they just slide on and the"tang' drops into the hole. The rod just snaps into the larger hole on the clip. Now, liberally lubricate the latch and reinstall it. This not as heinous of a job as it sounds. Feel free to call if you need more help. Ken 954-924-1968

[Nick Mesich]

Wow, now thats a great description

Thanks Ken,

Will be on it tonight.

Have a great weekend guys and enjoy your rides!!!!!

Nick