63 Door Push Button and Latch Problem?

[Hugh W.]

I am restoring an early 63 SWC FI and am at the point of installing the passenger door handle and door latch mechanism. My problem is the the door push button rod is not pushing the "flapper plate" on the latch suffiently enough to unlatch the mechanism. The push button, rod, handle and latch themselves are all in good shape. It's like the rod is not long enough...but it is the correct length. The latch plate to which the rod makes contact is also not bent and moves very freely. The rod actually makes contact on the plate at its very lower point as opposed the its centre. I'd hate to have to weld an extension to the end of the rod since that is not correct.

Can any one help me? Much appreciated.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 63 Door Push Button and Latch Problem?

You are sure it's a 63-64 handle?

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Door Push Button and Latch Problem?

sounds like a late 64 or later handle with the straighter mounting interface angle

[Hugh W.]

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Door Push Button and Latch Problem?

Hugh,

Without a doubt these are not correctly configured 63 or early 64 handles as they stand nearly perpendicular to the door surface. Correct 63 handles will be horizontal when installed. The raised pads on the door skins require a fairly sharp angled mounting surface on the handle to get the geometry lined up with the latch mechanism.

tc

[Joe R.]

Re: 63 Door Push Button and Latch Problem?

Hugh,

One picture is worth a thousand words. The two handles on the left are 63 and early 64 handles. The ones on the right are late 64 thru 67 handles. The angles are not perfect as the angle of the camera distorts some but you can see the major differences. The later handles were available from GM for several years since they were used on passenger cars also. As a note the Trim Parts handles for late 64 thru 67 are incorrectly cast as are those NOS ones from GM.

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