Modifying a 1968 dart door latch for a 1970 dart or duster.

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Davezilla

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Has anyone tried to use one of the new reproduction 1968 Dart door latches on a 1970. I was looking for a Nos drivers door latch for a 1970 dart or duster, but never found one. I have found some used ones as a backup plan. I started looking at the pictures of the reproduction 1968 latches and the only differences that I can see is one of the arms that a piece of linkage connects to is slightly different. On a 1968, it has a ball sticking out of it that the linkage clips onto. On the 1970, the arm just has a hole in it. It looks like you could grind that ball off the new 1968 latch, and make sure the hole is the right size, then have a perfect fit. I wish I had a 1968 latch here to verify that. Let me know your thoughts or if anyone has done this.
 
I did exactly what you're talking bout. if you lay them side by side it is very clear what needs to be done.
 
I did exactly what you're talking bout. if you lay them side by side it is very clear what needs to be done.
It is good to know that somebody already tried it. I have not ordered a 68 latch yet. Do you have any pictures, and can you tell me if it involves anything more than removing the one ball that I was talking about. I am just trying to find out if it is worth the trouble to modify the new 68 latch or just buy a used 70 latch. Thank you.
 
its been a while since I did it and I don't have any pictures. like I said if you put them side by side the modification is obvious. What I remember is the problem was the way the lock mechanism dropped. Sorry I can't be of more help.
 
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