Help - Fix Cabinet Latch - 71 International

[DMAYRES]

HELP!!!

I have a broken cabinet latch. The problem is with the spring - I have no idea how it goes in. I got a replacement latch - but can't find an illustration how the spring fits inside. So, in a fit of tenacious wisdom - I took another latch apart to see how a functioning one looks - with the result that I know have TWO broken latches.

Has anyone ever taken one of these @()*$#@ things apart and successfully put them together again? If so, can you please share the secrets? (preferably with illustrations?)

Thanks....

[Dbraw]

A friend of our had a broken latch on his 73 Overlander and I helped him fix it. It only took us about 3 hours and a lot of head scratching and re-doing to make it work. He ended up with two broken ones and one that worked just fine. His were ordered from Inland Rv. Once you figure out how to assemble the black latch parts, it is easier.
The outside of the latch should be attached to the door face first. Then, attach the base of the inside black latch. So far, no problem. Then insert the spring and place the top (movable) part of the latch on the base at an angle and force it onto the base while sliding it to the rear. It should snap into place.
We worked on the door with it off the cabinet. Just drill out the pop rivets and later re-rivet. Makes it a little easier to work on a workbench.
Now that you read all this, it still will be a challenge. Keep at it.
The latch has to be separated with a flat screwdriver. Be careful to not distort the plastic too much.
Good luck
Dan

[ddveaux]

Try to determine what caused your latch to break. Mine was out of line- factory defect- and had to be corrected by redrilling new mounting holes. When reassembling- the larger end of the black base plate goes toward the outer edge. The spring sets in the grove and the small square protrusion of the sliding part catches and compresses the spring as you marry the parts together as Dan advises.