Possible fix for worn out door locks

[jeremy93ls]

My driver's side door lock has been difficult to unlock since I acquired the car. The little arm attached to the lock cylinder that fits inside the locking mechanism in the door has way too much play and I had to jiggle the key back/forth forcefully to get it to unlock.

While I had the door glass out, I cut a small piece of fuel line from an old weed-eater and slid it over the arm. It works so much better now. Easy to lock/unlock with very little force needed. I shot a little silicone lube on the outside of the hose to keep it from binding in there.

Is good, yes?

 

Edited December 19, 2016 by jeremy93ls

[zKars]

 Brilliant! I love the simple solutions. Great work.

Note this only works for the 77-78 doors. I wish the improvements in all of the components in the 77-78 doors are arrived sooner in the line. Alas....

Edited December 19, 2016 by zKars

[charliekwin]

Looks like I've got another project to take care of over Christmas break!

[rcb280z]

On my 77 I switched the locks to the opposite side, left for the right and viceversa. I tried locating my thread on this and can't find it . IIRC it was just that easy. And they work like brand new, almost.

[zspert]

This is a technique I've used, mostly with good results, for years

[Hardway]

Another issue with these locks is the steel arm wears out the end of the pot metal cam.  I did a write up of using coat hanger to overcome the issue.  Did the same thing on the end of the arm but wrapped it with some electrical tape as I did not have any tubing or hose at the time.

https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/42253-how-to-s30-door-lock-coat-hanger-repair/