vickraft, I R&R'ed the latch back when I was motivated last summer to address the droopy handle. Seems it took most of a Sat before I ciphered it out. The square end of the handle rod that fits into the latch was rounded which caused it to droop. To tell you the truth I don't know how it was even working it was so rounded. I built the square end up w/a welder then ground it back square, this fixed that. I really gave the latch a good cleaning and lubed everything while I had it out. It seemed to work fine. One thing I discovered after I re-installed it was that the door lock wouldn't hold. I could work the outside handle enough to get the latch to open. I adjusted the remote inside handle assembly per the manual to no avail, looks like I'm going to pull the latch again and this time I'll know what to look for. That latch has turned into a MAJOR assembly
Carl, funny it seems most of the play is in the lower hinge. I figured I'll have to address those hinges sooner or later. Looks like they need to be addressed in order for the rest of the door to work properly.
Steve, I noticed that the regulator spring is somewhat cheap but from the pics it looks like it could be a beast to R&R. I haven't pulled the panel yet to look closer yet. I also noticed that theres replacement regulator kits available too.
It would be good to hear from folks that have done both to see which is easier, rebuild the original or go w/a repop.
I'm really enjoying driving this old truck on the weekends. It's become my errand runner and even carries me to church when I have to go early on every other Sunday (sans the Mrs
), so I don't want to keep it off line for too long. Hense my poor attempts at pre-planning
So looks like I'm going to place an order for new strikers (can't buy just the left side), the oversize hinge pin(s) w/bushings and pull the door to work on it.
I like the idea of building the latch clip back up w/weld then grinding it back down as it does seem to work properly.
(anyone have a pic on what those latch clips should look like? )
I can also address the lock problem when I have it out again. I believe I'm going to try to rebuild/repair the original instead of ordering a repop to replace it, then go from there. It's not like I'll never have to work on it again
I've already started applying PB Blaster to all the nuts, bolts and screws that I can get at as I'm going to guess many haven't been moved since they were originally installed on the assembly line. Theres one phillips head screw that holds the bottom panel on that my impact screwdriver can't even budge, I may have to drill it out and if so I better order a replacement screw pack....
Dave
