When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am trying to repair the door locks on both of my 66's. Both doors on both trucks have the same problem. There is a small piece of linkage that runs from the bellcrank on the lock cylinder to the latch. The linkage has a crook on the latch end that hooks through a hole in the latch. When turning the key to lock the door, that hook seems to bind instead of moving the latch to the lock position. I can lock the door from inside the cab and if I fiddle with the linkage while turning the key, I can get it to lock. I've had the latch and linkage out of the door and everything is lubed and clean. I suspect I might be missing some sort of guide or bushing that goes in the hole in the latch. If you've seen this before, I hope it makes sense.
There's a small clip on the end of the hook that might have come off on your lock. This might be causing your problem if its missing. Look inside the bottom of the door as they always fall down inside there.
Thanks for the quick reply. I suspected there might be something like that missing because I found what looked like part of a clip attached to the linkage. It is obviously broken and will need to be replaced. Can you recommend a source? I can't imagine my local Ford dealer being too excited about looking up this small part even if there is a book going back 40 years for them.
I don't have a clue where to get the individual piece, maybe an old junkyard. Every one else would probably make you buy more parts than you really need. You might go to a car parts place and look at their old-replacement universal fit section usually by the windshield wipers blades. They might just have clips by themselves there. You might even make a temporary clip with the copper ground wire on a 12/2 with ground electrical romex wire until you can get the right thing. Cut off about 3 inches and bend it around the hook sort-of and see if that works. I would buy at least buy two in case the other side is ready to fail also.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to sift through the crud in the bottom of all 4 of these doors and see if I can find any pieces so I can at least have an idea of what I'm trying to accomplish.
Ah yes I had the same problem with one of my doors..it is the clip that you're missing..it keeps the rod rigid so it actually applies force instead of just wiggling around. Anyhow here's where you can get them..junk yard...or any auto parts store has them they are just plain jane E clips..I think that's it E clips..anyhow if it's not exact it is very close and will fit..it looks wierd basically has two eyelets and then a stright leg..if you need anymore help let me know and I'll try to walk you through it.
Mark
Wesley Obsolete, Liberty, Ky 1-606-787-5293 Has them in stock.Call and give them the part number you need. They are decent on price.
They're obsolete from Ford. They fit from 61-67 on the trucks.
As TexasSteve noted, small clip and when they slip off usually find them bottom of the door. Believe the originals are metal, the replacements I came up with are plastic. Installed them few years ago and working well. They are listed in catalog as upper door lock rod clip either right, or left. They cost $.75 ea. the postage would probably cost more. Have not looked lately, but I could not find any FTE sponsored suppliers who carried them, or at least did not find the item in their catalog. Usually do not have a problem posting name of 'non sponsored' suppliers if they are reliable. In this case, may get the item in a couple days, or couple months. That being said, if unable to locate the clips feel free to email me and can provide a source.
dave
Last edited by daveengelson; Aug 25, 2006 at 12:22 PM.
Thanks for the good information. I cruised through several sponsor's catalogs before I asked for help and I didn't see anything. I might be asking for that information.
I wouldn't ordinarilly worry about locking my old truck but 20 years ago I had a really sweet 64 short bed stepside that was stolen and never recovered. It's taken this long to get over it!
Like I said in my earlier post most auto parts stores have them..and they are metal..look in the "HELP" section and you should find an assortment I have compared them to the oringals and they are extermally close and do work as they should check it out before you drive yourself nuts or use plastic
I found some throttle linkage clips on the "help" display at my local parts store. They were easy to put on and now the doors lock as smooth as butter. Thanks for all of the replies. This is a cool forum.