Part needed

[Si|v3r72]

I need a driver's side door latch assembly (the part on the door, not on the jamb) for a 1972 240Z. Mine has a busted spring that I can't seem to fix, so I'm taking it to the shop. I thought it would be handy to have an entire latch assembly on hand in case the mechanic found any other problems with the existing one.

The key here is the spring - I REALLY need that part, so if anyone has it and doesn't need it but doesn't want to part with the latch, please contact me. Thank you.

[EScanlon]

Tom:

Unless you are uncomfortable or unable to do simple mechanical stuff, you could do the replacement of that mechanism.

Have you researched Motorsports? or Victoria British?

How about Z cars of Arizona? or anyone of several other Z places in the country that could / would have a lock mechanism.

Don't go nuts trying to replace a spring. Just get the whole unit and avoid other hazzles down the road.

[Si|v3r72]

EScanlon,

It's not that I'm uncomfortable or unable, I'm just unfamiliar with the procedure, never having done it before. I assume the window track has to come out, but I'm not sure how easy or hard that is to do. If I knew the procedure perhaps it would ease some of my apprehension.

I do have an MSA catalog, but I completely forgot that I had it so I'll take a look there.

Thanks for the advice and thanks for not being too condesending to a newb mechanic. :stupid:

[sjcurtis]

Hi Tom ,

Your Z looks great. I agree totally with Enrique, forget the individual spring, it is far better to source a complete latch assembly in good condition or new, and save the old one for later or just throw it in the trash. If you are going to do any repair your Z do the best job you can the first time and you will save time and money over the longer term. We do not always save by spending the smallest amount to repair the bit parts. Always consider doing your own repairs. The money you save from not using the shop / mechanic will come in handy for your next project.

Sorry for the sermon

Good Luck

Steve :classic:

[mandtw]

I have used latch assys. off of a '732 model if you are interested I am asking $10.00 ea. + Shipping. If interested e-mail me at mandtw@ccis.com - Tom

[EScanlon]

Hopefully I keep my "arrogance" and condescending attitude in check. I have been accused of that (on another site), so if I come off that way, mostly I'll apologize. (Unless it's something really boneheaded that gets posted.)

To remove the latch mechanism DOES involve somewhat of a major disassembly of the door in order to get normal sized American hands and not the smaller Japanese ones that originally worked on it.

In brief, you need to:

Remove the door panel which includes the arm rest, window crank, and door open handle.

Once there, you need to remove the outer chrome trim that has the rubber wipe. Then you will remove the rear window channel sash so that you can then remove the window pane. Once you've done that, you will then remove the window channel. (that's the stainless steel window frame). Take note and care in case the rubber moldings at the front and rear are still glued on.

Once you've removed that, you will disassemble the connecting rods for the outside handle, the door lock knob AND the inner fulcrumed lever combination that goes to the inside lock handle.

Mind you, others may tell you that you CAN remove the rods from the latch by pulling and / or prying them out of the plastic holders, but remember that those plastic connectors may in fact be 30 years old. Some of them CAN be obtained, but others are very rare and difficult to replace to boot.

NOW, you can undo the 3 screws to remove the mechanism.

Once you have it out, you could replace the spring, but sincerely, replace the unit. Undoubtedly several pieces have failed, will fail, or are missing. Stuff like the rubber bumper for the lock mechanism when you actuate the key lock or knob. The rubber around the latch, and other rubber bumper pieces that eliminate or reduce the famous metal clunking sounds coming from this piece. For that reason a NEW unit will make your car quieter.

Hope this helps, I've personally reworked and quieted my doors and the whole car to where you can actually whisper to your passenger and be heard!

Enrique Scanlon

[mperdue]

The Haynes manual has a decent write up for stripping down the doors. I got through it with no problems.

[mandtw]

We sent your latch out this morning. Hopefully you will be satisfied. - Tom