door latch not always working

[Steve G.]

Folks, I am looking for suggestions. Pressing the door handle on my 1970 doesn't always result in the door opening. The handle goes down into its housing, but no luck opening the door. Same problem with both interior and exterior door handles. So I assume I need to replace / lube / rebuild the latch. I have removed latch, but don't know what to look for / repair / or lube. Any ideas? Steve

[Gary S.]

Re: door latch not always working

I would bet that, if you removed your lock assembly, soaked in a good solvent and then blew it dry with compressed air, you would have locks that worked better. Your description is exactly what I had in my 66. The grease had hardened almost to the point of stone. The locks cleaned up quite nicely and a new lube with white lithium made it work like new.

[Edward J.]

Re: door latch not always working

Steve,
Remove The Door Panel And Theres A Plastic Shield That Protects The Latch Assy - Remove The Shield And You Can Lube The Latch, There Is Also Adjusting Rods On The Interior Handle And The Outside Handle The Interior Rod No Problem, But The Outside Door Handle Adjustment Is Not As Easy. These Adjustments Adjust The Throw To The Latch Release. Hope This Makes Sence.I Havent Seen To Many Latches That Need Replaced, It May Just Be A Adjustment.

[Terry M.]

Re: door latch not always working

Seems to me there was a thread about this within the last couple of weeks -- but then I have NCRS disease.