I recently replaced the drivers side latch on my '51 1/2T burb. My existing latch was really shot. I got the replacement from Chevy of the 40's.
The actual construction of the latch was pretty decent. It was the exact same design as the original. Unfortunately, once it was latched it would not unlatch. I studied on it a bit and then made a few cuts with a dremel tool, and then it functioned perfectly.
Next problem was when I went to install it, I first bolted it up the the jamb of the door, but when I went to put the screw in from the inside of the door, the was a significant gap between the lock body and the door.
As it turns out, the lock body stamping on the aftermarket latch is formed to make pretty much a right angle. The original body seemed to form a greater than 90 degree angle. I was able to wack the intersection with a ball peen hammar a few times and spread it out so it fit perfectly.
So I am pretty happy with it and the overall quality. It just needed a litle "Tweaking"
On the passenger side lock, I cleaned the original and added one of those little clip on parts over the movable part, and now it works fine.
Kurt
