On my 70 Barracuda, the linkage for the exterior lock keeps falling off and is hard to lock from the outside. Am I using the correct hole for the insert? I tried the other hole but the hole is smaller and the insert won't go in. The photo is the drivers door. The passenger side is the same. I looked at the service manual but I can't tell if it's the correct hole. I tried to enlarge the image but the angle of the lock doesn't show both holes. Also, the outside locks are aftermarket, if that matters. Thanks
Door Lock Linkage Falls Off
- Thread starter money pit
- Start date
pschlosser
Well-Known Member
I just checked a 1970 barracuda with original paint, and I don't believe the door handles, linkage, etc, have ever been fiddled with.
the rod is found in the outer hole, the one at the end of the lever, your image shows use of the inner hole. the lock rod would have better leverage, and take slightly less force if it were using the outer hole.
the rod inserts into, and is held in place by a retainer that likewise, inserts into the hole. I seem to recall, you first insert the retainer, then push the rod into the retainer.
enlarging the hole may be a bad idea.
the rod is found in the outer hole, the one at the end of the lever, your image shows use of the inner hole. the lock rod would have better leverage, and take slightly less force if it were using the outer hole.
the rod inserts into, and is held in place by a retainer that likewise, inserts into the hole. I seem to recall, you first insert the retainer, then push the rod into the retainer.
enlarging the hole may be a bad idea.
Thanks for your response. I agree that the outer hole would give more leverage. I think I will need to drill out the outer hole. I tried inserting the retainer without the rod, it won't go in. Thanks for your help.
I forgot to ask, is this the correct retainer or do I need to use the one that clamps on to the rod? I checked Classic Industrie. Their clip set for the E body doesn't include the retainer in the photo. The A body kit does. Thanks again.
pschlosser
Well-Known Member
no. the clip is different than the one that retains the thicker latch rods. the thicker rods use a clip that snaps to the shaft. the lock rod is smaller in diameter, and uses a simpler clip. from your image in post #1, the retainer looks correct.
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Thanks. I plan on removing and cleaning all the lock mechanism. There is still a little binding from years of dirt and grease.
Xcudame
Well-Known Member
The clip looks something like this. There are "lefts" and "rights" depending on application.
pschlosser
Well-Known Member
for the thicker linkage rods, yes, but I don't think so for the locking rod.
I had the same issue with my 70 Cuda .
These fixed my issue MRE - Door Lock Rod Clips
Part # MRE1010262
These fixed my issue MRE - Door Lock Rod Clips
Part # MRE1010262
Xcudame
Well-Known Member
OK. I took a picture of my 71 Barracuda and also a picture of a similar type clip.
Xcudame
Well-Known Member
So just pop the rod out, move the clip to the outer hole and pop the rod back in and you should be good to go! 
Thanks again
For the lock rod, I have to order the A body kit since the E body kit doesn't have the simple push in retainer. Thanks
I moved the rod to the other hole. It sticks a little. I'm going to remove the lock mechanism, clean and lube it. I'm also going to take the piece (where the rod attaches) off the old locks and place it on the aftermarket locks. If I can find the key for the old lock, I would just use the original locks. Thanks for the photos.So just pop the rod out, move the clip to the outer hole and pop the rod back in and you should be good to go!
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