Issue with passenger door lock/latch assembly on a 1970 C10

[Jimmy Magnum]

Alright, so I have been having some minor issues with the passenger side locking correctly since I bought the truck back in 2005. Well, because of involuntary, extremely long term unemployment, my truck sat in the car port for about a month, with the passenger side locked.

Well, when I went to unlock it, it was stuck locked, no matter what I did. I eventually sprayed some WD-40 into the keyhole (in case it was the lock cylinder itself) and down the locking bar (the one that slides up and down) in hopes that the WD-40 would run down to wherever it was that was stuck on the latch.

Well, it unstuck the lock, but now I have a new problem. There is no resistance in the locking part of the assembly now and it just falls back down below the door latch. I did replace the lock cylinders in case that was it, but I should have just checked the locking mechanism first

Is there some sort of spring that is supposed to essentially return the mechanism? I don't mean the one for the door handle itself. That's fine.

This whole thing has been one headache after another. I had issues with a few of the door panel screws and stripped a few heads (I had to get some PB Blaster to be able to loosen those up) because the rust on those was pretty bad. Now finding out what's really going on, and with it being about 110 outside since I started this whole bit, progress has been slow.

If I have to replace the entire door latch, I am going to be SOL because I don't have money I can spend right now to get a replacement, let alone, drive anywhere to find one (which is why I need a job so bad, but being unemployed for 3 years isn't helping that, either, and no one even gives me a call for an interview to give me a chance).

Any help would be great. Maybe some pictures I can use as a reference.

[LockDoc]

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First off welcome to the board.

If you roll the window down you can take a flashlight and look down inside the door at the back of the glass. You might be able to see what the problem is that way.

See if this thread helps any...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425488

You may not have the lock cylinder installed correctly.

LockDoc

[Jimmy Magnum]

Thanks for the welcome.

I have the lock cylinder installed correctly, where that arm goes in between the prongs on the pivoting arm on the locking mechanism itself. That pivoting arm is what's loose, though (it looks like it's a part of the latch itself). I am able to engage the lock cylinder to lock the door, but as soon as I put it into the neutral position to take the key out, with there being no resistance on the locking mechanism itself, the arm just pivots back to the unlock position like there's a tension spring missing or something (there wasn't anything at the bottom of the door, so I am now assuming there isn't one and my latch is going out).

Basically, if I push down on the rod, there's no resistance and it just slides back up like nothing. I might just have to drive around with the passenger side locked down with tape until I can afford a latch replacement :-/

Also, funny side note, after I hit reply, with my talk about not getting calls for interviews, not even a minute later, I finally got one!

EDIT:
I see you had posted a shot of the latch. Do you happen to have any facing the locking mechanism itself from a direct angle? A comparison would be great. Don't worry if you don't have one. I'll figure something out.

[LockDoc]

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I'm betting that the small coil spring in the area that the arrow is pointing to is broken. It is an over center spring that keeps the lever in the locked or unlocked position. The problem is the locking lever is riveted to the latch frame so you can't get to it to replace it. I have a good latch I would give you if you want to pay the shipping on it.

LockDoc

[Jimmy Magnum]

I figured some kind of spring was supposed to be there. Well, that answers my question, then lol. Thanks for the help. I won't be able to pay for anything right now. I'll just hold it down with tape or something until I can get a job. I can't go anywhere right now anyway lol.

[LockDoc]

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No problem on the help. Let me know if you get the funds for shipping down the road.

LockDoc

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Magnum

Thanks for the welcome.

I have the lock cylinder installed correctly, where that arm goes in between the prongs on the pivoting arm on the locking mechanism itself. That pivoting arm is what's loose, though (it looks like it's a part of the latch itself). I am able to engage the lock cylinder to lock the door, but as soon as I put it into the neutral position to take the key out, with there being no resistance on the locking mechanism itself, the arm just pivots back to the unlock position like there's a tension spring missing or something (there wasn't anything at the bottom of the door, so I am now assuming there isn't one and my latch is going out).

Basically, if I push down on the rod, there's no resistance and it just slides back up like nothing. I might just have to drive around with the passenger side locked down with tape until I can afford a latch replacement :-/

Also, funny side note, after I hit reply, with my talk about not getting calls for interviews, not even a minute later, I finally got one!

EDIT:
I see you had posted a shot of the latch. Do you happen to have any facing the locking mechanism itself from a direct angle? A comparison would be great. Don't worry if you don't have one. I'll figure something out.

Hey Jimmy Magnum ...

to the forum and from Ohio

Jimmy Magnum -- I'll make you a deal...

You get the cost for shipping to LockDoc and I will pay for the shipping cost. Since Leon was so generous in offering you the part I'll match his generosity and offer to pay for the shipping.

We call that TEAM work.

Your decision

PS-if this is a go PM me so I don't forget. Its tough getting old

[RenoKeene]

Welcome from Central Florida also!
Well Jimmy, you just learned what makes this forum so great. Don't be too proud to take these guys up on their generous offer, when you get back on your feet you can do the same for someone else.
I can also help with free parts and shipping, if you NEED anything else PM me.
Again...things like this make me very proud to be a small part of this thing.
Thanks

[LockDoc]

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Jimmy,

If you are interested in 70cst's offer PM me your address and ZIP and I will get a quote on the postage.

LockDoc

[70cst]

Hey Jimmy Magnum ....

Just a reminder...

The offer still stands ...

[E.TexasTwister]

well I just learn something about locks reading this post.
Thanks
Did he ever get back with you on the shipping? Great offer Guys.
I hope he got on his feet (in his truck) by now,

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by E.TexasTwister

well I just learn something about locks reading this post.
Thanks
Did he ever get back with you on the shipping? Great offer Guys.
I hope he got on his feet (in his truck) by now,

Jimmy never posted again after his last post in this thread. I hope nothing bad happened to him....

LockDoc

[E.TexasTwister]

true. maybe he got it fixed and just never got back to the thread.