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Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:09 pm

My '71 Bus has a non-working rear latch. This is the latch w/key for the top door, not the engine compartment door. I can see that there is something missing from the bottom (a tab and a screw?). The actual locking tabs work OK, just the little mechanism that pops the lock from the striker plate when you push the button.

I need a blow up diagram of the push-button section so I can see what needs to be replaced. I have a Shop Service Manual and the Idiots Guide, but neither have an exploded view of this part. I also did a search of the forums, and found 5 topics, but nothing like my problem. Even Ratwell didn't have anything I could see.

Any help?

Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:20 pm

My bus had the same issue when I first got it
If you take a look at the locking mechanism from the inside of the bus, behind the interior panel, it's pretty simple.
On mine there was an L shaped piece secured by a Phillips head screw that was out of adjustment just slightly. So it wasn't making contact with the opening lever...thingy.
Providing you're not missing any pieces, you may just be able to adjust it to work properly.
Sorry I don't have any pictures of what it looks like, but when you take a look at it from the inside it's pretty simple

Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:26 pm

I understand exactly what you are saying. I'm missing the L shaped "thingy" and the philips-head screw holding on.

I want a diagram to disassemble the latch, so I can replace the missing piece(s).

Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:03 pm

i have an extra 71 latch. i could part with just the lever. PMail if interested

Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:58 pm

I have a similar problem, but I am not sure I have all the parts. I haven't been able to find the answer after searching this topic (yes, I use the search function)...haha.
On my bus, I have the rear cargo door handle (no keys), and a striker plate similar to this one: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=693536 without the black rubber piece.

If I acquire keys, will I have all the parts needed to lock the rear cargo door? If not, what am I missing? Also, what key do I need?

Thanks!

Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:01 pm

i have a rear hatch with mechanism if you can post pics of what you need i will strip it.

Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:11 pm

Thanks, but I just do not know what it is I need. I am not sure what all the pieces are. I have a handle without keys, and a striker plate without the black rubber piece (see link in my last post above). I am not sure what else I need.

Thanks

edit: I just bought a striker plate with the rubber piece.

Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:45 pm

Maybe someone can answer my question related to this topic....should there be a spring behind the "ear" or "flipper" as it has been called like there are on the door locks? I expected to see a spring and need to make sure I'm not missing one. My key didn't fit so I was taking it out and cleaning it before having a key made. Its a 69 bus, thanks

Tue Mar 02, 2010 3:25 pm

trishap wrote: ....should there be a spring behind the "ear" or "flipper" as it has been called like there are on the door locks?

No, you want it to stay in the position you leave it in (locked/unlocked) unlike the door handles. Have the locksmith reindex the wafers so your key fits it too, nothing worse than a big, busy key ring.

Tue Mar 02, 2010 5:28 pm

on mine the PO had taken the assy off and when reinstalling it the piece under the phillips screw was installed wrong preventing it from working. I flipped the part and now it works fine.

Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:12 am

Thanks busdaddy, I cleaned it up and after all the gunk came out, the key actually did fit. Its amazing what a good cleaning will do. Now everything works on one key. thanks