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Opening a bedside toolbox
I have been trying to get the bedside toolbox opened on my 68 Merc, the latch handle has detached from whatever linkages are on the inside of the door. From old age, rust, too much force from the PO, I don't know. The lock tumbler hasn't been in place since I've owned it, but there is some sort of backing plate or part of the latch linkage, something, frozen over the tumbler hole on the inside.
Shy of cutting off the hinges, I can't see a way in, but I don't want to do that. Has anyone out there successfully opened one up in this situation without doing more damage? Second, does anyone have a parts diagram of the latch linkages, may e I could make it cooperate if I knew what I was dealing with. thanks all |
WercMerc since the lock tumbler is already gone. you might try to drill out whats left. maybe it will solve your problem. since you need a new tumbler any way.
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If you are missing the handle, you should be able to stick a flat head screwdriver up towards the top of the latch and pry down to open the latch. It's just a spring-loaded "paw" that holds the door shut. It’s hard to explain without pictures. I'll try to remember to take a picture of one I have at the house when I get home this evening. |
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...27f3636b6.jpeg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...32a28cdc7.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...1833e3a95.jpeg The top picture shows a latch with no handle or lock cylinder, and where to put your screwdriver. Just put it in there and pry the tip down to push the paw down. The door should open. It may be stiff if it is dirty or rusty. The second picture is of the paw. All it does is move down. The third picture shows that there is a spring in the paw. That’s all that is behind the latch. Please let let me know if you need any more pictures or information. |
Deadly!
Life got a lot easier between the diagram and the pics. Thank you. I had assumed there were linkages and latches at the front and rear of the door. Mine must be frozen with rust, it won't budge. Let it soak for a bit, see if I can't salvage the latch-doesn't look like anyone makes a replacement. |
"lambchops25" thanks for sharing those pics of the latch. That info will help a lot of members, for years to come. I rep'ed you for it.
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Originally Posted by GaryKip
(Post 18534881)
"lambchops25" thanks for sharing those pics of the latch. That info will help a lot of members, for years to come. I rep'ed you for it.
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I just removed the whole latch unit from my 1971 F250 side box and replaced the key tumbler in the latch. Was able to find a new keyed tumbler at my local hardware store. If you need a full latch with a keyed tumbler they can be had from most all companies that make locking tool boxes.
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That should be easy to find parts for it . Try - Stahl Utility Truck box company . They have used that same latch on there boxes for 50 years !
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Good info my current (rusted out) bed has one of those boxes, but we never had the key for it. Fortunately the latch isn't locked or rusted shut, but I have wandered about getting a replacement lock or complete latch assembly. If I find a good bed to replace this one and it doesn't have the side box, I intend to cut it out of the existing bed and move it over so I would like to get that lock working.
Were these latch assemblies originally chromed, body color, or something else? Mine is currently rust colored, but nothing that a little time with a wire wheel or bead blaster can't fix. Also what would the full part number for the seal around that door be? It's 46140 in that picture, but I'm guessing that isn't the whole number. Probably not available anyway. |
My 1971 F250 has the original paint. 96,383 original miles, has been well taken care of and my side box latch is painted the same blue as the body
https://image.ibb.co/eDbTzp/13.jpg |
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