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I recently purchased new door locks and ignition so everything was new and keyed the same. Does anyone have a trick to get the retaining clips installed correctly on the door lock tumblers? Everything is so tight that the clips are not going on and forcing them is just going to make them bend. Adding the rubber pad between the lock and the paint is completely out of the question. I can’t even get the retainer on without it installed.
Maybe aftermarket issue? I installed my old lock in donor door with rubber with no problem. Used new retaining clip as old one was pretty sad when removed.
I am sure you have thought of most of this, but just in case.......
First, make sure your retainer is the correct part for your truck. The picture below shows my worn out retainer and the replacement Dennis Carpenter sent me. Carpenter does not know what the correct '57-'60 retainer actually looks like. I think the new part shown fits a '53-'56 truck.
Typically the original Ford retainer clips don't wear out. If they are left alone and not removed, they pretty much last forever. It is the force necessary to get them out and back in that usually does the damage. Use a little WD-40 or similar penetrating oil on both the retainer and the corresponding groove in the lock cylinder before you try to pull the retainer out.
Before putting things back together, test fit your retainers to make sure they are the correct length, fit the lock cylinder and fit the door. The retainer must fit into the slot on the cylinder without causing the forks on the retainer to spread apart. The forks on the used retainer in the picture shows what I am referring to. A little grease on the retainer and the lock cylinder might help get everything back together without damaging the retainer clip. Also, make sure there is no corrosion on the inside of the door sheetmetal in the area where the retainer will be sliding during installation. That's all I can think of at the moment.
My retainer likely would have lasted another 60 years. I damaged it removing it. LMC had the correct clips and I had to order seals I neglected to order anyway so didn't try to coax mine out.
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