Door Latch Fell Off

[cv2065]

After about 3700 miles, my driver side door latch fell off. The screws have bored out a bit. I was planning on using Rivnuts to repair. Is that what everyone else is using? Looks like FFR has new door latches that you put together yourself. Not sure how they secure to the door compared to the old ones.

Thoughts?

[toadster]

check this thread out https://www.ffcars.com/threads/door-latch-mods-for-greater-reliability-and-function.303080/

[cv2065]

Thanks Toadster. I did that mod before installing. This has to do with how the latch secures to the door. I know there is a reinforcement piece inside the door that the screws go through, but I think it's just another layer of fiberglass and not metal.

[Jeff Kleiner]

…I know there is a reinforcement piece inside the door that the screws go through, but I think it's just another layer of fiberglass and not metal.

Assuming the latches were installed in the correct location there is metal behind the glass. If they’re put on out of place the screws will miss it and only go into glass. Rivnuts work but so does a larger sheet metal screw; i.e., #8 instead of #6. Also if the latch spacer was used (and the driver’s door always needs one, sometimes 2) the screws will need to be longer than what was provided.

Jeff

[cv2065]

Assuming the latches were installed in the correct location there is metal behind the glass. If they’re put on out of place the screws will miss it and only go into glass. Rivnuts work but so does a larger sheet metal screw; i.e., #8 instead of #6. Also if the latch spacer was used (and the driver’s door always needs one, sometimes 2) the screws will need to be longer than what was provided.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff! The plate was used so I’ll have to check screw length and where that metal aligns. Door opened and closed fine before. Have you used the new latch design yet?

[Avalanche325]

I guess the British sports car roots still shines through. Parts fall off from time to time.

[R. Button]

All the stuff Jeff noted ... And that's not the only screw that will fall out! I did put a little silicone sealant on the threads for the screw holding the door latch on the door AND those tiny screws that hold the chrome cover on the door latch - same treatment - a tiny dab of silicone sealant on the threads.