Door Latch Hardware Question

[Phil 83K20]

I have my ‘83 K20 project going and I got my order of nylon rod clips for the door latches in the mail. I ordered part numbers “K4013” and “A20675” from Classic Industries.
When I went to put them in, just now, I found that the holes in the latch mechanism are 5/16” and the diameter of those parts (with the rods in them, which expands them a bit) is a few thou under 1/4”. That extra 75thou of slop just doesn’t feel right. It almost feels like the whole part could wiggle out.

Did GM make more than one size of these things or something?

The photo shows the parts in question, one in place on the rod. The two parts are mirrors of each other, for ease of installation in different places. If that but around the rod were larger diameter, they’d be a good fit. But IDK…

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They’re inexpensive, so I don’t mind having to reorder the parts, but I just don’t know what to get that’ll actually fit. They at least fit the rod nicely, itself.

 

[Sad Sack]

@Phil 83K20
Can you put a 1/4" washer on the backside of the latch to compensate?
Gone up and down a year and all use same part - supposedly.

 

[Phil 83K20]

@Phil 83K20
Can you put a 1/4" washer on the backside of the latch to compensate?
Gone up and down a year and all use same part - supposedly.

That’s a thought.
If I can’t figure out a direct fit part, I could definitely weld a plug in it and then drill a smaller hole, too. That’s a lot of work, for something so simple.
Thanks for the idea.

 

[AuroraGirl]

That’s a thought.
If I can’t figure out a direct fit part, I could definitely weld a plug in it and then drill a smaller hole, too. That’s a lot of work, for something so simple.
Thanks for the idea.

can you access the part and put it in a vice? put a rivnut of the right diameter (almost) and destroyt the threads once installed and the smooth down the thickness so its not too thick

 

[Phil 83K20]

I’ve ordered new ones from a site called “USA1Industries” which sounds sketchy AF, but since I paid with PayPal I can always get refunded if they don’t come through.

The product photos looked like it was for a larger hole. I’ll see if these ones work before I go modifying any OEM parts.

 

[Sad Sack]

I’ve ordered new ones from a site called “USA1Industries” which sounds sketchy AF, but since I paid with PayPal I can always get refunded if they don’t come through.

The product photos looked like it was for a larger hole. I’ll see if these ones work before I go modifying any OEM parts.

That site is ok, just known for slow deliveries.

 

[xm20k]

There is a sheet metal version maybe what you need instead if the plastic one. Number 26 for one end number 29 for the other.

https://www.lmctruck.com/door-components/door-parts/cc-1973-87-front-door-components

 

[Phil 83K20]

There is a sheet metal version maybe what you need instead if the plastic one. Number 26 for one end number 29 for the other.

https://www.lmctruck.com/door-components/door-parts/cc-1973-87-front-door-components

Ah, yes. I ordered a pair of those, as well, seeing as how I managed to lose mine in the shuffle of things.
Gen-1 squares used them for the long rod, too. But all squares use that clip to attach the outside handle to the latch mechanism. So if you’ve got a hood that folds in half, you need metal instead of nylon.

 

[Bennyt]

Amazon sells both 5/16 and 1/4. The doors should be 1/4 and tailgate 5/16. They cost about $7 for 20

They shouldn't wiggle out, even with a bit of play.