taguy16

The left door latch on my 1989 Camaro is kaput, and I'm noticing the new ones being reproduced are for 1982-1988 F-bodies; it looks like they also fit G-bodies. I'm wondering if these will work on my 1989. Looking at pictures of them online it looks like the only difference is in how one of the rods attaches to the latch (plastic retainer vs. metal retainer), which I'm thinking doesn't matter. Do I have this right?

Thanks for any help with this.

ACebell

Check out this thread:

Door latch experiment, affordable door latches found!!!! - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

I ordered them from Amazon - but have not installed them yet (since I am in the middle of paint prep).

taguy16

Thanks. That's really helpful. It looks like those are the same latches as what I have save for the one rod retainer. Looks like the way to change that is to drill out the hole on the latch where the rod goes thru so you can use a plastic retainer instead of a metal clip.

taguy16

The The main difference I'm seeing between the cheap Chinese 940-102 latch - which is listed for GM pick-ups - and the much more expensive Goodmark F/G-body repop is the latter has the reinforcing beads stamped into the projection that sticks up to hold one of the actuator levers, and it has a gold cad finish like the original. Whether that's worth paying three times the price of the cheaper one is a good question. I suppose both would work, but for how long? It probably comes down to what your budget is and whether you're willing to risk having your door latch break prematurely and leave you with a door that can't be opened, at least very easily. I've been in situations working on cars where the door latch jams when the door is shut and that puts you in a state of panic wondering how in the world to get the door open without having to destroy it (which I thankfully have never had to do).

RockStarEddie

wondering did you ever have success with this replacement?

taguy16

Yes, I got the cheap replacement mention in the thread as opposed to the expensive reproduction and it fits and works fine. I do think I had to drill one of the holes larger in it to use the rod retainer my original latch had, but it all worked out. I wish everything else on this project worked out so smoothly.

RockStarEddie

that’s great news. I also have a 1989 and worn out latches. Impossible to find these - and I guess different from 82-88 models.

Thanks

Mikos_89

Nice! Are they all the same from ‘82-‘92?

RockStarEddie

I sure hope they do. The lack of my plastic cover on my latch is causing the door to rattle up and down. Either we sort out the missing plastic part on the latch, or we need to add a plastic sheath to the catch to compensate. Hoping the latch would solve it!

taguy16

They changed the rod retention system on one of the latch levers (I think the one for the inside door lock rod) somewhere in the mid to late 80's, so if you have a late 80's f-body like I do you have to drill this hole out to the same diameter as the one on you old latch and use the clip off of your old latch to retain the rod on the new latch.

mikeceli

iTrader: (2)

Is this discussion regarding the 940-102 , guys?

ACebell

Yes, sure is. I have yet to install mine but reading the replies.

RockStarEddie

this is great because previously these were made from unobtanium for years.

taguy16

Other than the finish - silver vs. gold cad - the latches seem to be the same between the 940-102 and the expensive repop. Having to enlarge the one hole for the late 80's latch really isn't that big of a deal if you are sure to make it the same exact size. I forget what size it is, but even if you have to buy a new drill bit for it it's worth it. So far my new latch has worked really well.