Still fighting the door

M

MikeB

Active member
Dec 24, 2018
288
29
28
Lower Alabama
So I’m still trying to get my door to shut correctly. I’ve used the popular Stick and hydraulic jack process to recurve a few sections and my
tractor FEL to take out excessive curves. So now with somewhat even gaps, adjusted hinges, oiled up adjusted linkage and new weatherstripping I still
can’t get it to secondary latch...even when slammed. So I’m looking at the back of the latch assembly and there is a spring on the axis of a rod
that locks the jaws. This spring is loose but doesn’t look broke. It also does not have any obvious location points from which it may have
dislodged. The rod will lock the jaws if vertical. Gravity is the only thing that gets it to lock the latch cams. So I’m thinking this is my
problem. If someone happens to have one out or knows for sure I’d appreciate a confirmation before I hunt for a new one. Also has anyone taken this
thing apart?

Thanks
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
You may have to adjust the post out a little. When you loosen the screws will it allow movement outward? If not you can file the metal on the frame a little to allow movement. It probably won’t need much to allow the latch to close around the post

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick CO

>
> So I’m still trying to get my door to shut correctly. I’ve used the popular Stick and hydraulic jack process to recurve a few sections and my
> tractor FEL to take out excessive curves. So now with somewhat even gaps, adjusted hinges, oiled up adjusted linkage and new weatherstripping I still
> can’t get it to secondary latch...even when slammed. So I’m looking at the back of the latch assembly and there is a spring on the axis of a rod
> that locks the jaws. This spring is loose but doesn’t look broke. It also does not have any obvious location points from which it may have
> dislodged. The rod will lock the jaws if vertical. Gravity is the only thing that gets it to lock the latch cams. So I’m thinking this is my
> problem. If someone happens to have one out or knows for sure I’d appreciate a confirmation before I hunt for a new one. Also has anyone taken this
> thing apart?
>
> Thanks
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
 
Forgot to say that you should be careful that you don’t drop the nuts down behind the door frame to the floor. You’ll never retrieve them. You can reach through the outside refrigerator vent door to get to the nuts while you file the openings and to hold them in place when you replace the screws. Do the screws one at a time and replace them before taking out another.

Emery Stora

>
> You may have to adjust the post out a little. When you loosen the screws will it allow movement outward? If not you can file the metal on the frame a little to allow movement. It probably won’t need much to allow the latch to close around the post
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick CO
>

>>
>> So I’m still trying to get my door to shut correctly. I’ve used the popular Stick and hydraulic jack process to recurve a few sections and my
>> tractor FEL to take out excessive curves. So now with somewhat even gaps, adjusted hinges, oiled up adjusted linkage and new weatherstripping I still
>> can’t get it to secondary latch...even when slammed. So I’m looking at the back of the latch assembly and there is a spring on the axis of a rod
>> that locks the jaws. This spring is loose but doesn’t look broke. It also does not have any obvious location points from which it may have
>> dislodged. The rod will lock the jaws if vertical. Gravity is the only thing that gets it to lock the latch cams. So I’m thinking this is my
>> problem. If someone happens to have one out or knows for sure I’d appreciate a confirmation before I hunt for a new one. Also has anyone taken this
>> thing apart?
>>
>> Thanks
>> --
>> M Beam
>> 75’ Avion
>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>> Zuki Sidekick,
>> Dozier Al
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
 
Thanks Emery but I’ve taken that latch off 100 times now. I have wallowed out the hole forward then ground the edge of the plate. I’ve taken
measurements and it should be latching. I’m pretty sure the spring I’m refering to is broke and is contributing to the latch failing to work
correctly. Just wanted to confirm before I buy another one.

Thanks
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
Just call Jim Bounds, I'll get you his personal number as he is very busy
guy.

> Thanks Emery but I’ve taken that latch off 100 times now. I have wallowed
> out the hole forward then ground the edge of the plate. I’ve taken
> measurements and it should be latching. I’m pretty sure the spring I’m
> refering to is broke and is contributing to the latch failing to work
> correctly. Just wanted to confirm before I buy another one.
>
> Thanks
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Jim, I was actually going to call you to see if you hade a spare used latch.
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
Update. I’ve adjusted the door to finally latch with good hard push but not slam. I still believe the problem is the rear spring in the latch
mechanism. I believe it puts inward pressure on the lever that locks the jaws giving it a more aggressive bite. Otherwise the lever still locks but by
gravity only. If I’m correct then I’m sure a few people have lost this spring and think the door is out of adjustment. I’ll be on the hunt for
one. If anybody on here has one off their door I’d appreciate them looking at the rear spring to confirm.

Thanks
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
> Update. I’ve adjusted the door to finally latch with good hard push but not slam. I still believe the problem is the rear spring in the latch
> mechanism. I believe it puts inward pressure on the lever that locks the jaws giving it a more aggressive bite. Otherwise the lever still locks but
> by gravity only. If I’m correct then I’m sure a few people have lost this spring and think the door is out of adjustment. I’ll be on the hunt
> for one. If anybody on here has one off their door I’d appreciate them looking at the rear spring to confirm.
>
> Thanks

This update is in case someone does a search.

Bob Burkitt looked at his latch assembly and we confirmed that mine did have a broken spring. That spring does put tension on the locking lever. If
your door is not latching properly you may want to check this part before adjusting or bending your door.

It will latch without the spring but only because of gravity AND it may unlatch if you hit a bump on the road. The best description I can make between
a good spring and broken would be as follows.

The jaws on the broken assembly will lock but the action is more passive like wire snare trap. It takes more action by the prey. The jaws on a sprung
assembly will react like bear trap. It just takes minimal action and the jaws grab and pull and hold the prey (striker pin).

When I find and install @ working latch assembly I update on my results.

Thanks again to Bob.
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
> > Update. I’ve adjusted the door to finally latch with good hard push but not slam. I still believe the problem is the rear spring in the
> > latch mechanism. I believe it puts inward pressure on the lever that locks the jaws giving it a more aggressive bite. Otherwise the lever still
> > locks but by gravity only. If I’m correct then I’m sure a few people have lost this spring and think the door is out of adjustment. I’ll be
> > on the hunt for one. If anybody on here has one off their door I’d appreciate them looking at the rear spring to confirm.
> >
> > Thanks
>
> This update is in case someone does a search.
>
> Bob Burkitt looked at his latch assembly and we confirmed that mine did have a broken spring. That spring does put tension on the locking lever.
> If your door is not latching properly you may want to check this part before adjusting or bending your door.
>
> It will latch without the spring but only because of gravity AND it may unlatch if you hit a bump on the road. The best description I can make
> between a good spring and broken would be as follows.
>
> The jaws on the broken assembly will lock but the action is more passive like wire snare trap. It takes more action by the prey. The jaws on a
> sprung assembly will react like bear trap. It just takes minimal action and the jaws grab and pull and hold the prey (striker pin).
>
> When I find and install a properly working latch assembly I’ll update on my results.
>
> Thanks again to Bob.

Please let us know what you used for a replacement spring and where you got it. I have the same problem that I've been working on for the last 5 yrs
or so. 1st catch works but not 2nd. So frustrating. Can't tell you how much time I've spent on that thing. TIA

--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
> > > Update. I’ve adjusted the door to finally latch with good hard push but not slam. I still believe the problem is the rear spring in the
> > > latch mechanism. I believe it puts inward pressure on the lever that locks the jaws giving it a more aggressive bite. Otherwise the lever still
> > > locks but by gravity only. If I’m correct then I’m sure a few people have lost this spring and think the door is out of adjustment. I’ll
> > > be on the hunt for one. If anybody on here has one off their door I’d appreciate them looking at the rear spring to confirm.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> >
> > This update is in case someone does a search.
> >
> > Bob Burkitt looked at his latch assembly and we confirmed that mine did have a broken spring. That spring does put tension on the locking
> > lever. If your door is not latching properly you may want to check this part before adjusting or bending your door.
> >
> > It will latch without the spring but only because of gravity AND it may unlatch if you hit a bump on the road. The best description I can make
> > between a good spring and broken would be as follows.
> >
> > The jaws on the broken assembly will lock but the action is more passive like wire snare trap. It takes more action by the prey. The jaws on a
> > sprung assembly will react like bear trap. It just takes minimal action and the jaws grab and pull and hold the prey (striker pin).
> >
> > When I find and install a properly working latch assembly I’ll update on my results.
> >
> > Thanks again to Bob.
>
> Please let us know what you used for a replacement spring and where you got it. I have the same problem that I've been working on for the last 5
> yrs or so. 1st catch works but not 2nd. So frustrating. Can't tell you how much time I've spent on that thing. TIA

Larry unfortunately the latch mechanism is riveted together and I’m pretty sure the spring is a one off. I think the best bet is to try and find the
latch assembly. If you want I can send you a picture showing the spring location so you can verify that it’s even your issue. Or PM me and we can
discuss on the phone.
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
[/quote]
Larry unfortunately the latch mechanism is riveted together and I’m pretty sure the spring is a one off. I think the best bet is to try and find the
latch assembly. If you want I can send you a picture showing the spring location so you can verify that it’s even your issue. Or PM me and we can
discuss on the phone. [/quote]

Mike,
Thanks. Well, I guess the next stop is one of the vendors to see if they have the assembly? Any chance you could post the picture on the GMC photo
site so others with that problem will know what to look for? Then out the line here?
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
Mike,

I had trouble visualizing where your photo was showing. Then I compared it
to the numbered photo I did which was published in the GMCMHI magazine and
saw immediately where you're working. If anyone comes up with a spare one
of those catches, broken or not, I'd sure like to get my hands on it --
surely there's a reasonable way to replace those springs, directly or
indirectly.

Let me know if I need to give you shipping instructions & payment.

Ken H.

> Here’s the picture of the back of the mechanism. The spring should have
> tension. In my case it’s broken so it sits loosely on the axle. The lever
> is also loose without the spring.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/avion/p68198-latch.html
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
I was thinking the same thing Ken. My understanding is that this latch is
proprietary and not used in other GM applications. Which means they should
be preserved. Maybe with a core. Unless of course I’m wrong about the
uniqueness of it.

Sully
Bellevue wa

> Mike,
>
> I had trouble visualizing where your photo was showing. Then I compared it
> to the numbered photo I did which was published in the GMCMHI magazine and
> saw immediately where you're working. If anyone comes up with a spare one
> of those catches, broken or not, I'd sure like to get my hands on it --
> surely there's a reasonable way to replace those springs, directly or
> indirectly.
>
> Let me know if I need to give you shipping instructions & payment.
>
> Ken H.
>
>

>
> > Here’s the picture of the back of the mechanism. The spring should have
> > tension. In my case it’s broken so it sits loosely on the axle. The
> lever
> > is also loose without the spring.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/avion/p68198-latch.html
> > --
> > M Beam
> > 75’ Avion
> > TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> > Zuki Sidekick,
> > Dozier Al
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
Call me as we have almost any part forthe coach.

> Jim, I was actually going to call you to see if you hade a spare used
> latch.
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Ken
Sorry about that I only had one picture and have already installed the latch. For others sake the part of the mechanism that’s showing in the
picture is the back side of the latch mechanism. Directly behind the jaws. If you notice to the left the flat areas are where the Philip screws attach
it to your door. When I get a replacement I’ll report any improvement and show more pics
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
Give a call out to Hal St Clair as he took the door and frame side that the
latch was on from a donor coach I had. , He might have a spare from his
original door and frame.

> Ken
> Sorry about that I only had one picture and have already installed the
> latch. For others sake the part of the mechanism that’s showing in the
> picture is the back side of the latch mechanism. Directly behind the jaws.
> If you notice to the left the flat areas are where the Philip screws attach
> it to your door. When I get a replacement I’ll report any improvement and
> show more pics
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
LaGrange, Wyoming
GMC=Genetically Modified Chevy
 
Thanks Bruce bought I’ve bought a new one from Cliff Golby. I have not had a chance to install it yet. It feels and sounds nice and tight. It’s
purty too...here’s some shots of front and back.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g7277-avion.html

I’ll up date it’s fit and functional when I install it.
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
Installed new latch mechanism today. Door sounds and feels noticeably more solid. Takes a little less effort to final latch. My door needs a little
more alignment. Very pleased with new latch.
--
M Beam
75’ Avion
TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
Zuki Sidekick,
Dozier Al
 
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