VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 1953-54 DOOR LATCH PROBLEM

Hi there,

I have a frustrating query relating to my 53 hardtop.
The right door latch has never worked properly since installing the door handles after the bodywork. The left works fine.
To open a locked door from outside you need to put the key in, turn to release the lock mechanism /raise inside knob, and depress button all at the same time to open the door. You then need to unrelease it from the inside as the outside button stays in a locked position (that is it won't depress). I figure something is missing or broken in the latch. I originally thought the rod connecting the button to the latch was slightly short, or not in the latch hole properly after installing handle shields but I checked and it seems fine & no prob with other side
Anyone have any suggestions or should I look for another latch ?
Also is a front door latch from a 4 door car the same as a hardtop or 2 door car ?

Thanks Tony

Tony
latch mechanisms are inter changeable on all the cars. The outside door handles are not due to contour of door skin on the Hard top.

Thanks Walt.

I had a look through some of Chevrolet Service News for 1953 and found one with information of the latch mechanism adjustments. I'll also have a read through the manual. It may be an adjustment or something simple. If that fails I have another latch mechanism, so I'll install that one and see if it works properly. Thanks Tony