So I've got to replace the driver door latch on my 88 camaro project. Looking online I was seeing prices for new latches mostly running from $70-90. Well, through my many searches I've seen a couple random door latches suggested by Google. One imparticular caught my eye, part number 940-102. A generic door latch that seems to fit a numerous amout of chevy vehicles. Having the camaro doorlatch already removed, I have a good visual reference and aside from a different rod clip or two look to be identical. So I got on amazon and ordered the cheapest 940-102 latch I could find which after taxes was right around $22. I might be late to the party n all this might be common knowledge as to whether or not these will work, but my searches have led to zero information on the topic. So my goal here is simple: to purchase and test one of these latches and to provide the results of the outcome to all 3rd gen owners who seek information on the topic. If this works out then we have a very affordable alternative for these parts and if not, amazon has free returns and I have an 88 firebird parts car to fall back on 😆

EDIT: The part has arrived as well as the results. After a quick examination and side by side comparison to the old latch everything looked to match up. Three torque bolts 4 actuating rods inserted and 5 minutes later and... TA DA! A clean smooth working latch installed @ the cost of only $22!!!! Now a couple things to note before buying one yourself, my door has the old style rods with the notches in the end so I did not have to make and modifications, if yours has the smooth rod ends you will need to bore a few holes a little bigger and swap in those plasic clips. Also as I'm not super familiar with all the latches that come in different years of this car this latch also has the counter sunk bolt holes if that makes a difference to you. All in all I am super pleased with this little experiment, this goes to show even if a vehicle isnt listed as fitment doesnt mean a part won't fit. Its just a classic example of market manipulation and price gouging at our expense, which I feel like happens alot to those of us into classic project cars. Now perhaps the ones made "for fbodies" are built to a higher durability standard which is possible but I honestly doubt. So in conclusion, the 940-102 and presumably it's passengerside counterpart 940-103 found on amazon, are affordable alternatives to "listed" compatible door latch mechanisms.

Dont mind the "size difference" Its merely the angle they are sitting that makes one look larger.


Here it is installed and looking good 😎

 

I look forward to following your progress on this.

 

Excellent thread, I've been wanting to get these replaced on mine as the black plastic is all fraying and cracked.
Does it make the door close any quieter ?
I mean does it sound like it's "new" and not so loud and clunky like a lot of these cars do when closing ?

 

It does seem to be quieter, the plastic coating on mine was quite torn up as well. I also paired this with some 4th gen outer handles off amazon since most 3rd gen aftermarket handles are garbage, and there is a huge difference in how smoothly it opens and closes now.

 

Nice work. I just made a post here the other day on regards to some crap 3rd gen interior and exterior handles. Total trash.
Be great to see the 4th gen handles installed.

 

Here ya go, try to ignore the scratches for the old garbage dorman handle😖 in my opinion they're just slightly bulkier but look fine n I think they engage the latch rod a Lil better

 

How about a link to the amazon handles? Or vendor name? Thanks.

 

bit late but there u go

Garage-Pro Front Exterior Door...