So been a while 2 steps back ok n the door went to put everything back and the door handle broke ordered a new one its been to cold to work on so now that its nice went to install the control rods and the plastic unobtainable nub is broken so I will be ordering from MME today . While I wait I have a mystery part in the door that I can't find on the parts list here it is
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yeah, the little plastic bits wear quickly and are hard to source. The scalpers want a fortune for them and they simply wear out agian.
I've tried a number of rod holder solutions.
The A1R trucks changed to a metal clip (akin to the old-school carb rod clips that Chevy /Ford used in the 60's). They do still fail and are a HUGE pita to install in tight spaces.
I then tack welded small SS washers to the end of the rods. That worked really well, but again they took a HUGE amount of precision to get a welding rod into position to tack the washer (especially when there was less than 1/8" clearance in the latch mechanism).
Most recently, I fabb'ed my own rods. I put a small "dogleg" into the end that slips into the latch (that makes it self retaining on that end for both push/pull). Then I threaded the other end and attached a locknut.
Really happy with this setup and it's ease of installation/removal.
Some here were concerned that the rods would actually wear, but I can assure you that they do not.
Ugly image of prototype, but you get the idea. I doubled up the thinner rods to prevent flex. I think this design could be done on all the various door rods. Food for thought for when t he plastic wears out again (and they will).