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MG MGB Technical - Door latch problem

Hi all,

I've been reading the archived posts for a few weeks and I still can't find anyone who has had the same problem I have so I'm posting now to see if anyone can help.

My 78B roadster (UK model) has a problem with the RH door latch assembly. Part number from the Moss catalogue is AHH9254.

The external push button works okay. The internal pull handle does not. It's not the connecting rod or the handle, it turns out there is a tiny piece on the latch assembly which has broken off.

I've pulled the door apart and removed the latch assembly. There is a large paddle which the external push button hits to open the latch. This paddle is all one piece and it comes back out the middle of the latch assembly in the form of a little stepping piece which the internal pull rod connector "pulls" against to open the latch.

It's that little stepping piece which has broken off. Bugger eh?

I've used a Dremel to open the hole in the casing enough to expose as much of the part as possible. There is barely enough room to attach a new stepping piece, even if I can somehow manufacture one. Pulling the assembly apart would make it 1000 times easier, but I think it would then be 1000 times harder getting it back together again.

A replacement latch appears to be just under 200 pound (I'm guessing that's about $400 Aussie).

For the sake of this tiny little broken stepping piece, surely there's something I can do without forking out for a new latch. I've searched for 2nd hand latches and can't find any for my model. Seems to be plenty for the earlier B models.

Help! Please!
D O'Brien

I think any of the later mechanisms where there was the push button outer handle and the flat style inner handle should fit?

My 70GT had that style so I think anything from at least 1970 on will fit fine. You should be able to find a good second hand one somewhere.

Like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MG-MGB-Door-Lock-Mechanism-Right-Hand-Good-Used_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35a544f5efQQitemZ230406026735QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_500wt_841

Simon

Simon Jansen

I don't know how easy it is to get second-hand bits in Australia, but that is undoubtedly your best course of action - buy another lock mechanism.
Mike Howlett

Is that latch the same as the BL parts bin one used on the Allegro/Marina etc? It looks the same when its in place. Here you could have bought a dead Marina saloon with 4 of them fitted for £50 when they were being scrapped.
Stan Best

£200? My first thought was 'no way' but looking at Moss Europe I see 'yes way'. MGOC don't show a price for them i.e. not available, so if Moss are the only suppliers of new then they can charge what they like. I'd be looking at used, try Andy Jennings http://www.mgcars.org.uk/andyjennings/mgb-parts.htm
P Hunt

AHH9524 was used on GHN4&5 GHD4&5 cars. It surely is the most common lock mechanism used. I don't think it is exclusive to MGs either. Try looking at other Leyland cars of the period also.There's a few places around Western Sydney that deal in used MG bits. TR Spares, British Auto Parts, MG Centre, Nepean Classic Cars, There's also a place in Tooangabbee (can't remember the name) & one on the North Shore ,Penninsular Motors. I'm almost certain the later MInis used this type of door lock. HTHs Barrie E
B Egerton

This thread was discussed between 10/12/2009 and 13/12/2009

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