'67 door latch will not unlock once locked

[Scott M.]

[Alan D.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

Fist try taking the rod off from the lock to door hardware, then try the lock. That will tell you where it is hanging up (or 50% of problem) If lock works OK then try next part until you find the hang up.

[Scott M.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

The rod is already disconnected, the problem is somewhere in the latch assembly but I don't see anything noticeable.

[Bill H.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

I have to use a screwdriver and lift the pawl off the star wheel to open the door. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to look at more closely?

Scott, do you have to push in the button on the outside door handle to do this?
I have my 67's latch sitting here and when the lock is actuated, the slider that outside button moves rotates down against the lever on the star pawl making it impossible to pry that lever off the star wheel. That slider has a cutout that will allow you to pry the lever off the star wheel ONLY if the outside button is pushed in.

Just to clarify, if you lock it, you cannot unlock it with either the outside key or inside lock knob?

I can take some pictures, unfortunately not tomorrow, I'll be at the racetrack doing preseason Tech inspections.

[Scott M.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

Hi Bill, I finally found the problem. The replacement door handle push button plunger rod was about 1/8" too long, that was keeping pressure on the main lever which in turns blocks and prevents the unlock mechanism from moving.

[Bill H.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

Hi Bill, I finally found the problem. The replacement door handle push button plunger rod was about 1/8" too long, that was keeping pressure on the main lever which in turns blocks and prevents the unlock mechanism from moving.

Wow, good find.
Glad you got it fixed.

[Gene M.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

Hi Bill, I finally found the problem. The replacement door handle push button plunger rod was about 1/8" too long, that was keeping pressure on the main lever which in turns blocks and prevents the unlock mechanism from moving.

Typical repop parts. Fix to fit and function..............

[Tom R.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

Hi Bill, I finally found the problem. The replacement door handle push button plunger rod was about 1/8" too long, that was keeping pressure on the main lever which in turns blocks and prevents the unlock mechanism from moving.

Scott, would you mind sharing the brand/supplier you bought the replacement from? I just bought a pair from Trim Parts but haven't opened up the doors just yet.
Tom

[Scott M.]

Re: '67 door latch will not unlock once locked

I believe these are Trim Parts as well. I just used a cutoff wheel and took off about 3/16" on the passenger side one and all is good now. Make sure to compare the push rod length to the originals.