g741.org

I did a quick search, but came up empty for any help on repairing the door latch. Mine fell apart yesterday, and I thought I read something about repairing it, a few helpful suggestions maybe. I have a 51 M37. Thanks Guys!

There is a curly spring that might be your culprit?

http://www.g741.org/photogallery/main.php?g2_itemId=97

It's a simple little loop with two curl's on either end. Bill Lammer did have a source for fabb'n them, I thought he was going to move forward it.

I was going to get more door latch spring but there did not seem to be much of a demand for them so I did not. I had to order 100 of them to get a good enugh deal to sell them cheap enough. I think John at MWM carries them now. I did do an article on repairing the door check arm latch a while back. Also I am still replacing tool box door hinges, so if yours are rusty or frozen up they can be replaced. Autodoc51@aol.com

Thanks Guys, I do believe it is the spring. I have not opened up the door panel yet, but it just feels like the spring broke. Is it easy to replace it up in there, maybe I can get my wife to do it, small hands! i will get a call out to John. Thanks again

Dug this thread up from way back!

My door latch failed today. I can keep the door closed by pulling it shut and locking it, but the latch no longer self returns. Bill L. mentioned an article on repairing it and also springs required. I have not pulled the mechanism yet, but thought I'd see if anyone has some suggestions or photos.

I may get around to pulling the mechanism tomorrow, depends on what other fires I have to put out .

Thanks!

Andy

Will A. Watson responded to this old post of Bill Monahan's from 2013, with pictures:
http://www.g741.org/PHPBB/viewtopic.php ... ing#p49387
Gary

Springs are available. So are entire door lock assemblies.

Thanks Guys,
Looks pretty straight forward, at lease as straight forward as working inside a door can be!

Do the assemblies tend to fail? If so, what should I check when I have it out?

Andy

The springs fatigue and break.
The holes get oval and everything gets sloppy and binds
The latch link gets bent
The catch wears

I pack the whole assembly with grease but those latches sure suffer. mine have teeth.

The spring was the culprit and the new one is in. The ears that hold the inner tail secure were a bit iffy so I safety wired it too. The mechanism works fine now, and the latch certainly does its thing. I guess the old spring had fatigued a bit before it finally failed. Thanks for the help and advise. Doors that close are helpful!

Andy

Yep, still need to replace my door springs too!
Gary

Midwest Military does have the springs in stock. Also have some door latch assemblies available.
John