I want to remove an old "booger" on the repair list for my 1948 Chevy 1/2 ton truck. A fellow Stovebolter recently made available to me a nice working OEM door lock assembly w/ original GM key and retainer spring. I attempted to install it, thinking that it would be a simple install, but ran into frustration. I could not get the door latch and the lock assembly to work together properly to lock/unlock and remove the key. Using a screwdriver, I can get the door latch to lock from outside the door, just like it should with the spindle on the end of the (new to me) lock assembly. The door lock assembly does not have enough movement to repeat that same motion as using the screwdriver to to trip the door latch lock.
The previous PO told me in 2009 when I bought the truck that this was an issue for him when he installed an aftermarket door latch from one of the major parts vendors. He was able to get the door to lock from the inside so that a passenger could safely secure the door from popping open as the truck traveled down the road. He made the outside key function obsolete by using a “dummy” door lock assembly (minus the spindle) so that it “looked” correct from the exterior. This issue has been a "booger" at the end of my repair list that I finally have decided to now correct. I may never need to use the exterior lock/key feature, but I want it to work like it should. All door related rubber was replaced by me shortly after taking possession of the truck. Door hinge pins and springs were replaced. Striker plates are OEM. Door gaps are reasonable. Door requires a firm closing to shut. I know of no other adjustments to make. I suspect a faulty aftermarket door latch; I have little faith in the aftermarket parts. I see myself seeking out a good used OEM or NOS passenger side door latch. Does anyone have any insight on a remedy to my situation? Am I missing something simple here? Thanks in advance in helping me wipe away the booger on my repair list!
LUKE
