Outside door latch

[William S.]

The driver's side outside door latch on my 1969 convertible has stopped working. The chrome piece you push to open the door is hanging loose. Is this part repairable or do I just replace it? I assume that if I take the inside door panel off I'll see how it comes out, but is there any trick to getting it out or a new one in?

Thanks.

[Jack H.]

Re: Outside door latch

Typical malady... The return spring on your outer release handle has broken. You have several alternatives:

(1) Quick & dirty...the catalog houses sell a V-shaped 'spring' that you insert below the release handle as a 'quick fix' solution. You don't need to R&R the outer door handle.

(2) Replace the outer door handle and get fresh/new operation as well as fresh chrome. You need to read the Chassis Service Manual for specifics of how you go about changing the door handle!

Yes, you need to pull the inside door panel and, if the car hasn't been altered by prior owners/mechanics, the lock and handle mechanisms are surrounded by a 'cover' that has to be removed before you can get to the attaching fasteners (most first timers wind up dropping the cover down into the door requiring them to delve further to recover it).

Finally, when you get to the link rods + handle fasteners, it's a TIGHT + awkward fit up there that'll have you scratching your head on how to properly access things. But, with a little work, you WILL get there!

(3) The last approach is to take #2 and attempt to remove the captive release handle hinge pin (preened over to be a captive part) and install a replacement return spring that you 'jury rig' from off-the-shelf hardware store stock spring selections. I wouldn't recommend this approach, but others HAVE suceeded...