Body / Glass: door latch spring

[jbjr]

My door latch spring just broke is it better to replace the latch or replace the spring?

[52-fan]

It would help if we knew what car/truck you are working on. If you are talking about the spring that returns the latch to position, they can be replaced. I replaced the pull type on my 52 years ago with a replacement spring for a limb trimmer. The push button type spring can be replaced on the later cars replaced also.

[Deaf Mute]

If you have the busticated one, take it to a GOOD hardware store & check out their assortment... bet you will find a clone!

[Saibeer]

depends on the age of the unit as some latches are near impossible to find replacements for in a timely manner.
The springs have many clones and fit nicely in the latch (evil-bay could be a source as well as the local hardware store).
Trying to match up a OEM latch no matter what you are driving is much more fun and entertaining over long weekends if you are into those sort of things and as long as you don't mind what the end result will work like.
Good luck, I feel your pain; I am trying to get a customized dash out of my '34 to replace a windshield wiper motor without any manuals or directions as to how the re-designer imagined it should go back together.

[jbjr]

I have a 54 pick-up

[StudeRich]

Is it the Latch on the Door or the Striker on the Body? Both have springs.

[unclemiltie]

If it is the striker you are better off replacing it. They have reproduced these and they are fairly readily available from our parts vendors.

[63t-cab]

I don't recall c-cab strikers ever having springs.

Is it the Latch on the Door or the Striker on the Body? Both have springs.

[StudeRich]

I don't recall c-cab strikers ever having springs.

All strikers with the second catch, before about '64 or '65 have at least ONE spring, earlier models have TWO. There is one on the glide surface, the long "ramp" upper surface. Remember that these were changed at least 3 or 4 times from '56 to '66

[63t-cab]

Ok,but is a c-cab striker the same as the Lark/Lark types and some other cars?" I don't think they are" I just don't remember ever seeing a c-cab with a spring loaded catch is all. maybe some will post a picture to re-fresh My mind .

All strikers with the second catch, before about '64 or '65 have at least ONE spring, earlier models have TWO. There is one on the glide surface, the long "ramp" upper surface. Remember that these were changed at least 3 or 4 times from '56 to '66

[StudeRich]

Well just forget it, we have not heard yet if the problem is the Door Latch as mentioned or the term was incorrect and it IS the striker, if so it needs to be replaced.

No, the "C" Cabs have the '47 to '55 Car Type, and I did get into talking about the wrong Type used on '60 to '64 Champs and '56 to '66 Cars.

[63t-cab]

No need to forget it, I'm sure Joe will be back !

Well just forget it, we have not heard yet if the problem is the Door Latch as mentioned or the term was incorrect and it IS the striker, if so it needs to be replaced.

No, the "C" Cabs have the '47 to '55 Car Type, and I did get into talking about the wrong Type used on '60 to '64 Champs and '56 to '66 Cars.

[StudeRich]

NO, No, no, I did not say to forget Joe's problem, I said to forget about the DOOR STRIKERS, because we do not know if that is the Problem yet.

[jbjr]

Sorry about not getting back sooner, but something came up. there is a coil spring that broke and there door does not open. It looks as if I can replace the spring.

[RadioRoy]

jbjr, could you be a little more wordy, please? Lots of folks are trying to help, but you gotta give us a more detailed explanation.

Like:

what spring is broken?
Where is this spring located?
What were the original symptoms?
What/how do you know that there is a broken spring?