Aftermarket Door Latch Mechanisms

[Doppleganger]

Has anyone bought new (aftermarket) door latch mechanisms, and if so, what was the quality like compared to the originals? Does one supplier sell a 'better' repop than another?

Mine work fine but have alot of corrosion in some areas. I considered buying new ones but if they're asian-cheap, I'll try a little more to revive these.

Thx.

 

[legopnuematic]

Have you tried evaporust or electrolysis on the original ones?

 

[Doppleganger]

Have you tried evaporust or electrolysis on the original ones?

Thats my Plan B if the aftermarkets are junk. Once 'cleaned' re-plating is possible also.

 

[CalSgt]

Thats my Plan B if the aftermarkets are junk. Once 'cleaned' re-plating is possible also

I'd be shopping for some used take outs... Like out of a 91 burb or something, almost every aftermarket part I purchased was junk. For fairness sake, I didn't purchase any latch mechanisms so I don't have personal experience with them.

 

[Sad Sack]

Has anyone bought new (aftermarket) door latch mechanisms, and if so, what was the quality like compared to the originals? Does one supplier sell a 'better' repop than another?

Mine work fine but have alot of corrosion in some areas. I considered buying new ones but if they're asian-cheap, I'll try a little more to revive these.

Thx.

Are you talking about the exterior door handle latches?

 

[bucket]

Thats my Plan B if the aftermarkets are junk. Once 'cleaned' re-plating is possible also.

Your buddy can re-plate latches without a full disassembly? I'm certainly no expert at all on it (far from it) but I thought a plater wouldn't touch an assembled latch mechanism.

 

[nvrenuf]

Fwiw, I put an O'Reilly's latch in my daily driver Dodge 2500 and it works fine (for years now) BUT there's not detent when you pull the outer handle so there's no sensation of release, it feels like the door is locked until you pull on the door and it opens. I don't like the feel but it was assembled before I realized it so I left it, it's been working fine for years now. I know squares don't have the detent, just general feedback.

 

[Doppleganger]

Your buddy can re-plate latches without a full disassembly? I'm certainly no expert at all on it (far from it) but I thought a plater wouldn't touch an assembled latch mechanism.

They will plate anything I take them (that isn't chemically prohibitive). Its so thin it isn't like powder coating and baking/painting everything in place. Last couple times I did something similar, it worked and looked excellent.

 

[Doppleganger]

Are you talking about the exterior door handle latches?

Main mechanism inside the door.

 

[Grit dog]

IMO, a good working OE part (especially mechanical parts) is worth keeping. I know you’re after a better than factory nut and bolt quality restoration (well, resto mod) but if it were me and I wanted a nice looking door latch and it was in good condition, I’d clean er as best I could. Soak it in some evaporust or muratic acid, and squirt it with some dtm paint.
But I’m also generally about finding the most economical solution that is acceptable or presentable….Hell, I just finally replaced the headlight bezels on the ‘86 today. They were getting crispy and one cracked from a rock or something and some of the remaining old paint had popped or chipped.
After spending probably 2 hours sanding 3 coats of spray bomb and repainting with my old supply of auto paint that looks like argent, 5 years ago….
Back then they were like $12.95 for a new pair, now $25. lol

So maybe don’t listen to me. I chose not to spend $13 because I could dooo it myself! Lol

 

[Doppleganger]

Its not a big deal - sometimes an aftermarket can be better / improved, and if that was the case, I wouldn't feel bad ordering a pair if I cant refurb these (which I probably can). I did many sets of door mechanisms for cars that there was no aftermarket option and they all came out perfect.

Thanks fellas.

 

[1STLS1]

If we are discussing the actual door latches that mount in the door with the 3 Philips head screws, it's been my experience that they get worn out from the striker on the jamb, it ends up pushing the metal downward and tearing it causing door alignment and noise issues. I bought LMC ones recently and didn't think they were that bad but time will tell. Another member said they split apart but I could always add a tack weld to each assembly point to eliminate it. Again, not something I want to do on a part I purchased to solve a problem but still better than the worn out latch assembly.

 

[ali_c20]

I have LMC door latches, they look ok but are not on the door yet. Material is the same thickness, plating is good.