Glove box latch removal: any experts?

by **Mark Thorley (Thor)** » 10 Aug 2003 20:46

My friend is trying to get the latch out of the glove box door so that he can paint it. Anyone know how it comes apart? It's a 70 model. Thanks

by **Randy (Randys72)** » 11 Aug 2003 3:46

i took mine to lock smith

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 11 Aug 2003 19:39

I can't remember having any trouble when I took mine apart. It was just screwed together. I do remember getting everything lined up right when I put it back together was tricky. Then I realised I had the catch upside down that screws to the top edge of the opening.

by **Tony Miller (Owner4)** » 12 Aug 2003 18:13

I have the key to this mystery, but I'm having technical difficulties. Try to e-mail me at lamillr@bright.net and maybe I'll try to e-mail you directly with a descent description and pics.once you know the secret it is not bad. Even the service manual for challenger is a little vague on the subject.

by **Tony Miller (Owner4)** » 14 Aug 2003 12:09

Take the glove box door out of the car. This will make it a little easier to remove the latch. notice the position of the latch (open position)

Now with your finger click it shut.

Turn the chrome knob counterclockwise until it stops. Remove the two latch screws and rotate the latch in the door 180 degrees. This will gain you access to the small square hole in the lock barrel.

With a small flat blade screw driver, insert in square hole and press down on the release.

While holding down on the release, insert a small wire in the tiny hole in the chrome knob (floral wire works great).

Take out the screw driver. The wire holds the release catch in the barrel while you pull the chrome knob out. Do not remove the wire for you'll need it to reinstall.

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 14 Aug 2003 12:19

Jeeze. I don't remember doing that! I must have left mine in place and masked it!

Thanks for those detailed instructions Tony. Glad you got the image posting problem fixed too!

by **Mark Thorley (Thor)** » 14 Aug 2003 20:34

Thanks for the detailed info with pics. That was above and beyond. Really appreciate it.

by **Phil Raynor (Philth)** » 15 Aug 2003 7:24

Superb! Looks like I can fix my non-locking lockable glove box after all. By the way, I fancy repainting my glove box lid (and ashtray), what is the correct black? Gloss? Semi-gloss? Satin? Matt black?
Whoops! Sorry, didn't mean to steal the thread!

by **Dave-R (Roppa440)** » 15 Aug 2003 9:18

It is a textured Matt Black. I am sure Alex described on here somewhere the way Richard Ward replicates this. I can't seem to find it though.

by **281** » 27 Apr 2004 12:02

That is the best description of a problem solved I've ever seen on any message board, absolutely brilliant!
The glove box door is virtually identical to that on my Road Runner, now down to the flower shop for some "floral wire"!...and thanks Dave for directing me here, top man!

by **dave-r** » 27 Apr 2004 12:09

You are very welcome Ivor! Glad it was a help. Sorry my hands are tied when it comes to helping out on the MMA board. I see so many questions there that have answers here.

Drop by any time. We are always open. :wink:

Thanks again to Tony for going to all that trouble to photograph the procedure.

by **dave-r** » 22 Mar 2008 20:26

Anyone know if you have to insert a wire or do anything different when taking off a lock that is lockable?

i.e. mine takes a key so there is no obvious hole to insert a wire in.

by **dave-r** » 23 Mar 2008 9:54

OK I have realised I need to have the key inserted. To remove and install the lock cylinder. But I still cannot remove it.

by **dave-r** » 23 Mar 2008 10:17

Done it!

I was struggling because of a combination of a very worn key and some bits of greased paper in there that had gone rock hard with age.

by **Goldenblack440** » 26 Mar 2011 7:58

HI Guys, i've just dug this post up on removing the latch on the glove box door. (i have two to paint). I have followed the instructions given by Tony Miller in that excellent description but damned if i can get either latch off! One latch is like his, not lockable with the tiny hole for the wire and the other latch is lockable; instead of the hole, it has a key slot. But no matter how much i twist and turn i can't get the front part to separate. Oh well, i might try soaking them overnight in light oil or a 50/50 mix of turps and oil.

I'm tempted to go the easy way out and mask off the knob and paint around it. I did this on my 73 Chal. But it does make it difficult to get an even coat. But then again who would ever notice? arghhh, cars.

I'll let you know how i go.

by **Goldenblack440** » 26 Mar 2011 8:00

Idiot! I just read Dave's last post. I have to insert the key instead of the wire. But i still think it will be very stiff, i'll soak them, and the wire one is stubborn too. Do they twist off or slide off? Maybe i should also put some small flat blades either side of the knob and lever it up

by **cv70chall** » 26 Mar 2011 14:04

I wrestled with this latch for about 30 minutes. Finally, I simply taped it off real good, stripped, wet sanded and primed/ repainted the door.
...much easier and looks great.

by **Goldenblack440** » 26 Mar 2011 18:47

Ya know, i think i might just do the same! Its not a door handle and painting the door we're talking about, and the glove box door actually faces down at somewhat of an angle so the latch isn't staring you in the face anyway.