Door Lock Question

[cericd]

How to I remove the lock pawl clips, without damaging anything, so I can swap the lock pawls from my old locks to another set?

Dumb Question Alert: Is there a left and right lock or are they interchangeable?

I borrowed these images from a post of LocDoc's

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by cericd

How to I remove the lock pawl clips, without damaging anything, so I can swap the lock pawls from my old locks to another set?

Dumb Question Alert: Is there a left and right lock or are they interchangeable?

I borrowed these images from a post of LocDoc's

The lock cylinders are interchangeable. There is a left and right to the lock Pawls.

To remove the clips lift the small tab out of the hole with an "O" ring pick and rotate the clip sideways. Line the hole in the clip up with the end of the cylinder and lift it off. It can be a little hard to do unless you have 3 hands or put the lock cylinder in a small vise.

LockDoc

[cericd]

Thanks Leon. How do I identify the L and R lock pawls? I’ve had them off the truck for quite a while.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by cericd

Thanks Leon. How do I identify the L and R lock pawls? I’ve had them off the truck for quite a while.

Some of them are stamped L & R.

LockDoc
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[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I just did this, thanks to LocDoc too. My LH pawl is stamped P833475, and the RH is stamped P833474, doesn't quite add up to GM's common sequence but WTH.

More then that the locks only insert into the door one way, so you can figure out which pawl is right without a stamp. You'll see how the clips insert into the lock's clevis, I pulled them off with a pick & small pair of plyers. Same for install.

Learned something today, I didn't know they were called pawls. Hey doc, question, what do you suggest to lube them?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

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Learned something today, I didn't know they were called pawls. Hey doc, question, what do you suggest to lube them?

As far as the lock cylinders any spray lube with Teflon or a dry lube like PB Blaster Dry Lube. I do not recommend Graphite.

As far as the lock & latch mechanism inside the door, basically the same thing as the locks. You could also use some light spray oil inside the door.

If you don't want to remove the door panel to lube the lock & latch mechanism roll the window down and use a good strong flashlight. You can see the door latch & lock assembly through the opening at the back of the window. Using a can with a straw, spray a little lube on the assembly.

LockDoc
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[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

As far as the lock cylinders any spray lube with Teflon or a dry lube like PB Blaster Dry Lube. I do not recommend Graphite.

As far as the lock & latch mechanism inside the door, basically the same thing as the locks. You could also use some light spray oil inside the door.

If you don't want to remove the door panel to lube the lock & latch mechanism roll the window down and use a good strong flashlight. You can see the door latch & lock assembly through the opening at the back of the window. Using a can with a straw, spray a little lube on the assembly.

LockDoc
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Thank you Leon

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Thank you Leon

No problem.

LockDoc

[cericd]

Leon, I noticed something in your picture of the lock pawls. The driver's side pawl is silver and the passenger's is gold. As it turns out, the same is true for my original pawls. I wonder if they are different colors to help identify which is which on the production line.

Also, is the pawl supposed to end up between the ends of the U-shaped metal piece of the locking mechanism? That;s how I placed mine and the lock seems to work in a counter intuitive way. Turn the key to the left to lock and to the right to unlock. Is that how it should be?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by cericd

Leon, I noticed something in your picture of the lock pawls. The driver's side pawl is silver and the passenger's is gold. As it turns out, the same is true for my original pawls. I wonder if they are different colors to help identify which is which on the production line.

Also, is the pawl supposed to end up between the ends of the U-shaped metal piece of the locking mechanism? That;s how I placed mine and the lock seems to work in a counter intuitive way. Turn the key to the left to lock and to the right to unlock. Is that how it should be?

I don't know about the color ID idea, that could well be.

Yes, the pawl sits inside the U-shaped locking arm.

The easiest way for me to explain which way the key turns is.... When the key is inserted into the locks the top of the key turns toward the front of the vehicle to lock it and toward the back of the vehicle to unlock it, on both sides.

LockDoc

[cericd]

Thanks for the clarification. That’s the way mine is functioning. Also, if you lock the door prior to shutting it, the lock unlocks as the door is shut. Therefore if you are outside, with the window up you have to use the key to lock it. I didn’t know they had that type of feature available back then to prevent you from locking your keys in the car. My first car was a ‘74 Camaro and I don’t remember it having that feature but maybe it did.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by cericd

Thanks for the clarification. That’s the way mine is functioning. Also, if you lock the door prior to shutting it, the lock unlocks as the door is shut. Therefore if you are outside, with the window up you have to use the key to lock it. I didn’t know they had that type of feature available back then to prevent you from locking your keys in the car. My first car was a ‘74 Camaro and I don’t remember it having that feature but maybe it did.

Yes, all '67-'72's work that way so you couldn't lock your keys in the truck. I don't know about the cars.

LockDoc