The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 1960-66 Panel truck door latch springs

Hi,
I couldn't find this in the archives, surprisingly.
The door latch on the back door of my 61 Panel truck has a little spring that moves mechanism back into open position to allow door to latch when closed. The end of the spring has rusted off.
Previous owner showed me how you had to flip it back when you opened door but I'd like to fix it.
It looks like easiest is to find another good latch with unrusted spring.
Anyone run into this? Anyone know what I'm talking about - my terminology is pretty poor.

Thanks
Pete

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. It should be somewhat easy to find a donor latch.
You also might try going to McMaster-Carr, and industrial supply house, and see if they've got a spring in their catalog that might just swap in. Spend some time in their online catalog... they've got EVERYTHING. Awesome place.

My problem with the rear barn doors on my '62 is that the catches are all so worn, there's no adjustment in them. That little latch you have to flip with your finger? On my truck, that jaw is worn a good 1/4-inch. The round rod on the other half of that latch is worn half way through on mine, for both the top and bottom catches. 47 years of daily driving has taken it's toll!

-Brad

Pete, Send me a picture of the part you are looking for. and i will check the Suburban door pile to see if i have one.

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