Hi everyone.

Question about the star wheels on the door latches. This is actually for my Imperial(which is why this is in the Clubhouse) but I think every car up to the late 60s had them.

Typical problem, the door closes and only latches half way. It rattles back and forth

Is there a way to retime the star wheel? Do I need to take it apart, has something broken inside? Is this a part that is available to buy from vendors? I'll have to check out some Chrysler places.

Thanks everyone.

 

Mike - I had that happen on a Dodge Dart (1962). I found another latch assembly at a salvage yard. I didn't know anything about these things - it was ~1973 (roundabouts). Mine had a point break off just like in this image. I suppose you can't really tell unless you remove it.

 

Hard to believe I actually found a picture of a 1962 Dodge Dart door latch - same as the type I replaced. Absolutely no idea if it can be re-timed (if it's off I guess), mine had a point broke clean off and I replaced the entire latch.

 

If you re-time it, does that mean you can open and close the door x amount of times until it comes back around to the spot that doesn't work?

 

That's a good question. I "suspect" eventually you'll be back to square one sitting on the broken point once again. It's only been what like 50+ years ago I changed that latch & I was in no mood (I do recall) determining how the entire gameesh actually worked. At any rate, mine had a point broke off - no telling what's busted on Mike's I suspect unless you open it up.

 

Thanks Norm. This is a common problem for early Corvairs. I saw a guy once said he was going to retime the latch on his Rampside. So that's why I asked.