c2 driver door lock cylinder

[John P.]

Sometimes the seemingly simple tasks are the most frustrating.
I am trying to change out the drivers side lock cylinder as the original doesn't open with the key. 1965 convertible.
Is there a specific maneuver to tighten the cylinder retainer clip on the inside of the door? A tap with a small hammer moves the cylinder out of position. I tried to use countertraction with long pliers, a screwdriver, etc. Wedged a triangular block in to try to hold the cylinder in place. No dice.
I am trying to use original retainer clip as well as a repro. Is there a specific tool that works for this?

Any input from someone who has done this would be appreciated.

[Keith B.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

Don't use any gaskets.

[Richard M.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

Which retainer clip type is being used? Is this a reproduction lock set? As mentioned no gaskets, even if they came with the kit. Those were only used for steel cars.

There were changes to type of retainer clip for certain years. With either type it can be tricky.

I insert the key in the cylinder to help align and keep pressure on the door. I then use a small right angle needle nose plier in the other hand, holding the protruding tab of the retainer to get the 2 spring tabs of the retainer aligned and started into the slots of the cylinder. Once I get it started with some retention, I then use the small hammer to drive it home, while holding the cylinder in place as firmly as possible using the key as a aid.

If you're using reproduction lock sets you may have to modify either the lock cylinder by filing them a bit where the retainer tabs lock, or a bit of bending of the 2 small tabs of the retainers may help.

I forget when the parts changed but if I recall some of the AIMs may be confusing as to which type is used. I seem to remember the 1967 AIM picture shows the early type but at some time in production the part may have changed to a new design.

IIRC this is the original early type used up to 1966.


Later cars used this type...

[John P.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

yes the cylinder is a reproduction from Long Island Corvette. The retaining clip is the rust colored one which you show. I have tried the repro clip and the
original without success.

[Edward J.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

John, personally I prefer the later clip much easier to install. I don't think that the judges will be inspecting this clip.

[Gene M.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

Just a pure engineering note on the clips, the older version has more surface area to retain the lock from rotation as it is not located by any other means. Only the friction of the clip against the inside of the door retains it in proper orientation.

[Joseph S.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

With either clip, if installed properly, the raised tab will rest against the door handle bracket and stop the lock cylinder from being rotated in the unlock position. You will still be able to rotate the lock assembly with a pliers or screwdriver in the lock direction.

[Richard M.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

I seem to recall there is as locating tab on the lock cylinder, and a notch at 6 o'clock in the door skin hole which mates to it, yes?

[Gene M.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

With either clip, if installed properly, the raised tab will rest against the door handle bracket and stop the lock cylinder from being rotated in the unlock position. You will still be able to rotate the lock assembly with a pliers or screwdriver in the lock direction.

Joe, so true, When my car was stolen they did just that with a screwdriver. The heavier closed section clip would have caused more damage as they rotated the whole lock. Open section clip opened on the bias and lock turned easier. Result bastard is in. But for senreio other than theft the closed section lock clip does hold firmer.

Rich, there is not much strength in the fiberglass door panel even if a feature was there.

[Gary B.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

I seem to recall there is as locating tab on the lock cylinder, and a notch at 6 o'clock in the door skin hole which mates to it, yes?

Rich,

This is a photo of that area on the passenger door on my '66. There is no anti-rotation notch in the door skin for the lock (lower hole).

Gary

[Russ S.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

My 66 has the locating notch.

I seem to recall there is as locating tab on the lock cylinder, and a notch at 6 o'clock in the door skin hole which mates to it, yes?

[Richard M.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

John, any luck getting the retainer and lock assembled?

As far as the notch thing....
Maybe I'm thinking of the C1 locks with the locating notch built in to the escutcheon, seen here on the right.


Here is the backside of a 66/67 reproduction C2 lock but not detailed showing the bottom of the escutcheon.


I did find a few photos of a (Nov built)'67 showing the early retainer for reference.


Also found this 67 door online.....No notch that I can see.


Also a 64 door...

[Gary B.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

Russ,

I don't know what the notch could interlock with on the lock if other cars like my '66 and the '64 in the other photo don't have the notch. Do you have a photo of the notch with some part of the lock fitting into it?

Gary

[Jim D.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

I have two 65's, 1 A.O Smith and 1 St. Louis, neither one has notches for the door lock.

[Gary B.]

Re: c2 driver door lock cylinder

Jim,

Thanks for that info. I was wondering if it might be a STL vs AOS difference.

Gary