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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Door Lock, how to fix?

The passenger door lock on my 1972 Sprite isn't un-latching properly, sometimes the door jams.

It appears as if the inside lever is hitting the edge of the recess it sits in, as if it needs to move further to completely open the door. Removing the "bucket" it sits has cured the problem, but it is unsightly!

Can I adjust it, the lock seems fine in every other respect, or is it time for a new lock?

AndyB
a borris

Andy
I remember fettling my doors when I reintroduced them to the body after ..well... years really and finding that it was absolutely crucial to get the "peg" in the slam panel horizontal to engage the mechanism on the door. Now the doors shut like an angel's kiss...
HTH
Dave
David Cox

IIRC there's adjustment of the length of the plunger on the back of the handle button, it sounds like you have some lost movement in the linkage due to wear and need to increase the plunger length.
David Smith

Or maybe the lock-nut has become loose and the plunger/bolt has turned into the button (BTDT!)

A
Anthony Cutler

BTDT?

AndyB
a borris

been there, done that...
Anthony Cutler

Oh, yes, can just see your face as you say it!

AndyB
a borris

Fortunately, you can access several of the bits involved by removing the latch assembly in the back edge of the door. I've adjusted the door handle button lock-nuts through that aperture. Obviously, getting to that assembly through the inner door panel is an exercise in frustration.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Actually Gryf, IIRC I adjusted the screw and tightened up the locking nut with the panel in place, by using a slim spanner from above, with the window wound down. A bit like decorating the hall through the letter-box, but it only took <1 min.

A
Anthony Cutler

>>> A bit like decorating the hall through the letter-box... <<<

Excellent analogy! Trouble is, it applies to all too many midget jobs. ;-)

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

This thread was discussed on 08/01/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.