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Broken internal door latch...help!


Paul Garvey

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Posted

Hi,

I'm in NZ, have a Mk2 Spitfire with the early Mk1 style exterior 'leaver' door handles and unfortuntely from cracked the drivers internal door lock/latch mechanisms has broken in half and passengers is cracked so isn't far behind.  As they're cast 'muck-metal' I can't get anyone to repair - the only place wanted silly money and no promises.

I can't find anywhere such as Rimmers that has re-cast and have had no luck with the likes of Quiller or Spitfire Graveyard 2nd hand.  

They must be in demand!

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Posted

Are these the same as Herald handles? If not, would Herald handles be a close match so if you replace both no-one will notice they're not exactly original?

Posted

Nice!  I like the idea - quick, easy and cheap - and could 'brace' the cracked passender side to avoid it eventually breaking as well.  

I understand this is common and most are cracked after x40 years of door-slamming so expect them completely breaking will become an increasing problem.  It's a shame they're not being re-cast but I expect Mk1/2's are a bit thin on the ground to justify now.

I've taken the pieces in to a few specialist welding companies and no-one wants to touch except one...and they want the equivalent of 70 pounds (specialist rods etc) and even then expect the heat generated will liquify the casting = nothing left except an empty pocket.

Thanks again for you suggestions - much appreciated, Paul

Posted

Using a 1/8" steel plate behind as Bob suggested would seem the best way to go but affixing it with an adhesive in stead of rivetting may be worth considering.

Two pot epoxy could be used but the modern panel adhesives used by panel beaters would be better.  

A cooperative panel beater would put a bit on for you if you prepare it I'm sure.   Too expensive to buy the adhesive yourself just for this job.


There should be sufficient adjustment in the striker to accomodate for the plate thickness but, if not, filing the holes in the B pillar should achieve same.

Posted

I have found this one on FB , I don't know if you can be useful :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2418430797#/video/video.php?v=49738053691&oid=2418430797
bye Fernando
ps sorry for my mistake , you must have a FB account for seen it...

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