My 65's driver's door latch won't latch completely all at once when you try and close it normally. You have to let it catch the first one, then slowly push again for it to latch completely. I called Sundells and asked if they had a good used latch. They said they did and it would be $60. But, he told me that my problem might be a broken spring in the latch. I thought that was mighty nice of him to tell me how to possibly fix my problem instaed of buying a part from him. Stand up guys there.
I've never taken one apart before. Can you replace the spring? Where can I get one?

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http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=22&exact_match=on&photo_size=fullMY 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=22&exact_match=on&photo_size=full)

The last time I took my door apart, I noticed mine had a broken spring. My latch worked OK before and after I took it apart. Their might be another spring inside that is more important that sundell was refering to, though.

Before you get a new latch, you might try checking the striker to make sure it did not loosen or move. Mine came loose before and moved in a little. This caused the door to behave like you described (would "bounce back" and halfway latch instead of fully latching when I would slam it).

hope this helps,


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Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

Thanks Charles. I've played with the striker, adjusted it in 1,000 diifernet positions, repalced it with a new one, re-tried the old one again and soaked the latch with BP penetrating lubricant. I've done as much as I can do from the outside. Time to go inside. I just wanted to know what the possibilities were of locating a new spring and replacing it BEFORE I tear it apart. There's nothing worse than working on something for two hours w/o results http://personal.clt.bellsouth.net/clt/m/g/mgervin/smilies/hmph.gif

Jimmy,

I have not found any springs sold separately. The latch assembly is riveted together, so I assume that GM would not sell separate springs since you can't disassemble the latch.

I bought a good used one for $25.00 from posting an ad in the TC wanted parts section.

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Brian TC#1092, ACES#4374
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1964 Malibu SS Convertible (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino64.jpg) (Garage Queen) Before Restoration (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino64a.jpg)
1965 El Camino (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1b.jpg) (Daily Driver) Before Restoration (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1a.jpg)
1981 Corvette (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino81.jpg) (Sidelined for repairs)