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Door lock replace - upgrade?

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Old 02-25-2012, 05:38 PM
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Question Door lock replace - upgrade?

My lock cylinders are pretty worn, often it's hard to get the key in.

I been looking up lock cylinder replacements (E-bay, Junkyrd, new...)
I keep finding ones that 'Don't fit your vehicle', or whatever (almost all look like they will fit- except 1)

My locks are black, not chrome on the outside, I'd like to keep that.

Since I have 2 keys anyway (doors & Ign), I think I'd like to use a newer style key, maybe the double-sided teeth early 1990s? - Anyone know about the differences, & potential probs?

I don't mind a reasonable bit of modification, but don't want to get too carried away... e.g. welding, then have to repaint entire door.
Old 02-25-2012, 06:46 PM
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Not to point out the obvious, but have you tried shooting some WD40 in the lock cylinder? You would be surprised how much that can help sometimes. Those tumblers and mechanisms tend to get gummed up over time
Old 02-25-2012, 06:54 PM
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It's not a direct swap, i put all of the locks from my 91 donor on mine (85). The rear latch is the only lock that is same, the door locks have a smaller bezel but will clip in the same way leaving small gaps around the edge. You will have to modify the linkage that hooks the cylinder to the latch. It took me about 3 hours to do driver, passenger, and rear hatch.
Old 02-25-2012, 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver60th
Not to point out the obvious, but have you tried shooting some WD40 in the lock cylinder? You would be surprised how much that can help sometimes. Those tumblers and mechanisms tend to get gummed up over time
Yes.

I lube it regularly.
That's not the problem, The insides are very worn and the flat piece of metal in the center will float to the side, so I have to fumble with it to get the key in.
At night I suspect this may look like a drunk who can't unlock the door.... I don't need any hassles
Old 02-25-2012, 07:33 PM
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Pull them out and take them to a locksmith that does automotive work.
Old 02-25-2012, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by RacerX
Yes.

I lube it regularly.
That's not the problem, The insides are very worn and the flat piece of metal in the center will float to the side, so I have to fumble with it to get the key in.
At night I suspect this may look like a drunk who can't unlock the door.... I don't need any hassles
i know exactly how u feel u have to jiggle the key around to get it to unlock
Old 02-25-2012, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
Pull them out and take them to a locksmith that does automotive work.
Will they be nice and tight like new?

- Yeah I should call one and ask
I went into a place a while back, asked him how much to upgrade to newer locks/keys ... He said he couldn't do it ..!?

I said "you Can't?" - I left.
Old 02-25-2012, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RacerX
Will they be nice and tight like new?

- Yeah I should call one and ask
I went into a place a while back, asked him how much to upgrade to newer locks/keys ... He said he couldn't do it ..!?

I said "you Can't?" - I left.
instead of gettin them professionally rekeyed just replace the locks itd be alot cheaper
Old 02-25-2012, 08:28 PM
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I tried to buy some new locks for my 88 and nobody has them. I even tried the dealer, they said it was a special order from some place in WIsconsin. At $58 each I decided to deal with it for now.
Old 02-25-2012, 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by radio flyer
It's not a direct swap, i put all of the locks from my 91 donor on mine (85). The rear latch is the only lock that is same, the door locks have a smaller bezel but will clip in the same way leaving small gaps around the edge. You will have to modify the linkage that hooks the cylinder to the latch. It took me about 3 hours to do driver, passenger, and rear hatch.
Ok, Thanks, radio. Good to know. - Is it like this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Standard-Mot...item1c1d459168

So, How much gap? will it move if you try to twist it?

Maybe a little JB Weld in the gap will solve the problem?

Last edited by RacerX; 02-25-2012 at 08:46 PM.
Old 02-25-2012, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by stev-o
instead of gettin them professionally re-keyed just replace the locks itd be a lot cheaper
That's what I was thinking.

Originally Posted by scttgrd
I tried to buy some new locks for my 88 and nobody has them. I even tried the dealer, they said it was a special order from some place in Wisconsin. At $58 each I decided to deal with it for now.
I've seen some on E-Bay - $25 a pair, maybe less, doesn't include the hatch
Just have a tough time finding the right ones. Esp locks with the Black coated face outside (like my original ones)

Maybe I need to go to the junkyard and see what they have
Old 02-25-2012, 08:41 PM
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They stay solid, just a look little out of place. I tried to change the trim and use the old lock parts, but no go. I'll snap a picture tomorrow and post it here. It's nothing horrible i just live with it because it's so nice to have one key fit everything.
Old 02-25-2012, 08:46 PM
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I've already replaced my ignition cylinder and tomorrow will be replacing the ignition switch. I am just happy to have the doors and hatch with the same key. I am going to swap the passenger and driver door locks so at least I can get in without a fight.
Old 02-25-2012, 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by radio flyer
They stay solid, just a look little out of place. I tried to change the trim and use the old lock parts, but no go. I'll snap a picture tomorrow and post it here. It's nothing horrible i just live with it because it's so nice to have one key fit everything.
Oh, so you did the Ignition, doors, and hatch ?
All from a donar ... 1991, was it? What years will work?

was the Ignition tough?

I would like to have 1 key !

ps what about the glove box?
Old 02-25-2012, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by RacerX

Oh, so you did the Ignition, doors, and hatch ?
All from a donar ... 1991, was it? What years will work?

was the Ignition tough?

I would like to have 1 key !

ps what about the glove box?
My glove box is messed up but I redid the ignition clinder and switch on my 89 its fairly easy once u ger the steering wheel off


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