Door Latch Mechanism

[HappyZ]

I removed my door latch mechanism and cleaned it up. When I reinstalled it, I realized that it wasn’t functioning smoothly. I pulled it out again and realized that the ball crank bushing was too small. After comparing it to a spare I have, I discovered that the hole in the ball crank (metal cam with hole in the middle) is larger than in the other car.  I could install the spare, but it has issues of its own.

• Does anyone know if the mechanism changed between model years?  The pic shows the spare with the smaller hole.  I’ll post a comparison photo tomorrow..
• If it did change, does anyone know where I can find a larger bushing?
• Does anyone know where I can find those little nipple type clips that hold the push rods in place?  Mine are a bit worn.
• Lastly, is there a trick to removing those nipple clips?

Thanks in advance.

Edited November 23, 2020 by HappyZ

[HappyZ]

@Zed Head do you have any thoughts?

[Zed Head]

The doors changed in 1977 for sure.  Not sure about other years.  There's no info about what car you're working in in your post.

There are some good articles in the various "Resources" sections.

https://www.classiczcars.com/files/category/10-tech-articles/

https://www.classiczcars.com/articles/

https://www.classiczcars.com/articles/body-paint/

Edited November 23, 2020 by Zed Head
' e

[Terrapin Z]

The mechanisms were basically the same up to the 77 as Zed Head stated. They did change the spring parts yours show to have the later "clock" type spring where as the early latch had straight spring that wrapped around a cam. These were prone to breaking so the clock spring took its place. 

The little plastic bits where the rods attach do crumble and fall apart. That can cause the rods to pop out. To remove from the mechanism pop the rod out first then a gentle squeeze with some needle nose to release the tangs. 

The pivot cam parts had two sizes the 240 and then the 280 was different (larger i think). There is a plastic stepped collar that fits in the hole The bolt has a step too so as not to crush the plastic and then a staked lock nut to hold it all without too much pressure. 

[HappyZ]

Thanks for your inputs and links.  I have one of each.  One with the clock mechanism, with the large hole.  The other has the other type spring.  At this point, I think I’ll go with the older model and hope the spring does break; it has the correct sized hole in the ball crank for the bushing I have.

[Wally]

I am having regulator and windows issues too. I did some reading and  one of the plastic "bushings" is a common problem. Some link replacements are below so you dont have to do any drilling out. I bought both of them to test out. Will eventually update thread when i get them in.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-DATSUN-240Z-260Z-280Z-S30-Z-Car-Window-Regulator-Roller-Bush-Repair-Kit/324337826467?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Door-Rear-Quarter-Plastic-Window-Glass-Regulator-Arm-Roller-Wheel-6p-G/123478724375?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[Jules Parmentier]

Hello: Do you have to take the window frame out to remove thr door latch?

Jules

[Wally]

55 minutes ago, Jules Parmentier said:

Hello: Do you have to take the window frame out to remove thr door latch?

Jules

the latch only? No you dont. What is the issue you are having?