My door latch took a dump sometime back and George (Chicago Dragon) sent me a replacement from a parts truck. The Gods are not smiling down on me. There appears to be a solenoid attached not only to the lock unit but is also mounted towards the bottom of the door. One will not come out without the other.

On the edge of the door below the latch and close to the louvers there is what appears to be a large plastic plug (Nickle size) with a metal center simular to a big *** "Pop Rivet".

This appears to be what is holding that solenoid to the door but for the life of me I can't figure out how to release it.

All that being said......anyone know how to get the lock unit out of the door?

Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated (Be nice now, I'm old)
Rog

 

I think you have to drill that rivet out.

 

Yes.. it is just like a pop rivet.... Take a small punch and drive the center pin out (if it will drive out)... Then use a 1/4 inch drill to drill the outer piece out.. you can use a 1/4 inch pop rivet to put it back.

 

Thanks guys, I figured that was what I was going to have to do. So much for "FORD has a better Idea" What an asinine design. Oh well, thanks again.

Rog

 

I hope that works for you amigo, so good luck.

 

I did get it "Off & Out" The rivet even though looks plastic is in fact metal and is attached to a clip. Once the lock and solenoid have been removed from the door this clip can be pried off with the help of a couple of common screwdrivers.

I have to contact a dealer to ascertain if just the large Pop rivet is available separately or does it come as a kit with a new clip and rivet.

Worst case scenario is that neither are available and I will have to resort to good old American ingenuity which at this point I don't have a clue just what that will entail. The space between the clip & solenoid is very limited so thus are my attachment choices. Perhaps a 1/4" Dia. pop rivet will work if I can find one short enough.