i blew a door latch on my 1980 impala the other day, can anyone tell me what years of cars would have the same set up? when i say latch the door will close but where it should clamp onto the pin it just doesn't clamp anymore. i phoned an auto wrecker and he only had an 89 impala wondering if that would work. thanks in advance
It's probably just froze up. I would pull the door panel, remove the control rods and screws that hold it to the inside of the door. Remove the latch mechanism (which is what you would do to replace it anyway) and clean with paint thinner. Then add a little axle grease to the workings until it operates smoothly. Done it many times. In the mean time a nice shock cord/cargo hold down will keep the door closed while you drive it.
First just try something like Liquid Wrench on the jaws and inside with the extension straw. Sometimes this cleans it up and lubricates it too.
In the mean time a nice shock cord/cargo hold down will keep the door closed while you drive it. funny, thats what i'm using at the moment
I used to run into this infrequently with my customers. 99% of the time it was because the latch was already closed. Stick your finger in the latch to see if it will close with the door open. Conversely, if it's already closed, pull the handle and flip it open. If it locks around your finger, or is closed and you can open it, your problem isn't the latch.
Reminds me of a car I once owned. Perhaps my 1954 Ford but that doesn't matter. Some how people would bump those fingers and the catch would close, making grabbing the pin impossible. I would not use my finger to test a latch., Some of them bite! Use a wrench or something shaped like a finger. Maybe OldFox's finger ! But the penatraiting oil can help loosen up stuck parts.
not really a big safety issue just a bungie cord from one rear door to the other just to get it home without it flapping in the wind. the door sits flush so the latch must be open. too dark to go investigate further tonight
That's what flash lights were invented for. And trouble lights on extension cords. I live in the boonies and have those. Or use your cigarette lighter! On second thought don't try that unless you are near a fire truck.
Nothing says IMPOUND ASAP, MVI INSPECTION better than a bungie cord............ Fix it before you drive......Red Green is just a TV show, your not going to win the "it's a extra seat belt with the RCMP"
Gee... why so serious? I learned everything I know about cars from Tom and Ray and Red-Green. 54 years old and still going!
