The lock on my 79 glove box is broken, but I have a parts source for a good lock, but I can't figure out how to remove the round knob, so the latch will remove to the inside of the box. Before my forcing it and breaking something, somebody must have crossed this bridge and can clue me in? My plan is to replace the entire lock and latch on the door. Thanks for any help!
Glove Box lock removal?
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If you look through the threads you'll find that this question was asked a couple of months ago. The answers are mixed. I didn't have the key for the lock on the door that I wanted to use. Since I didn't really care about the knob or lock I took a piece of sheet steel and put that between the glove box door and knob. I took a pry bar and popped the knob right off. To put it back on I lined up the little tab on the lock with the slot on the knob and hit it with a soft faced hammer. Its back on, its not loose, and it seems to be working fine.
Other guys used a wire pushed into a hole on the lock but I really have no idea how that works.
Other guys used a wire pushed into a hole on the lock but I really have no idea how that works.
Thanks mikester, but my problem is not removing the lock tumbler, but the lock mechanism from the box door. This must be the thread you referred to: https://gbodyforum.com/threads/how-to-remove-glove-box-lock-without-key.53414/
It discusses removal of the lock tumbler, but not how to remove the outside knob, so the lock mechanism can be pulled free to the inside and free of the door. In my effort to remove the knob I have tried prying to the point I was afraid any more pressure would break something. This is what had me post this question. I looked for a keeper, as used on the window cranks, but none was seen. Maybe another go will set the knob free.
This is the link to the other thread. https://gbodyforum.com/threads/glove-box-lock.54438/#post-461104
The knob on my lock looks nothing like the knob in the photo that's in the thread you posted. Mine is just a round knob with ridges all around the outside of it and a slot for the key. Like I said, I pried mine off with a small pry bar using a piece of sheetmetal to protect the plastic door. Once the knob was off it was just the 2 screws holding the lock in from the back. To put it back on you just have to line up the little indentation on the knob with the tab on the lock. I hit mine on with a soft face hammer. One shot was all it took.
The knob on my lock looks nothing like the knob in the photo that's in the thread you posted. Mine is just a round knob with ridges all around the outside of it and a slot for the key. Like I said, I pried mine off with a small pry bar using a piece of sheetmetal to protect the plastic door. Once the knob was off it was just the 2 screws holding the lock in from the back. To put it back on you just have to line up the little indentation on the knob with the tab on the lock. I hit mine on with a soft face hammer. One shot was all it took.
When you're able to release the tumblers, the knob will come out with it. Then you remove the two screws holding the lock body to the glovebox door. No prying or beating anything to death.
liquidh8
Comic Book Super Hero
Thanks, it seems I'm mighty thick and thought I covered that possibility to remove the knob, but didn't seem to work. Maybe I was not using enough pressure on the tab. In any event, I was able to get a complete door from an 84 Cutlass that has a steel, not plastic hinge. I got the top part of the lock also, with the light. I also got the tilt column and key that matches a few months ago from the same vehicle. My dash has been stripped down to the bare fiberglass, so plenty of fiberglass patching of holes was necessary. Now, to get the glove box door to mate properly with my now thinner dash, the door hinge and dash opening will need to be modified. It has been a slow process, done in my spare time. At some point, I will post some photos of the process. I went in this direction, instead of an all aluminum dash that looked more racy than I wanted.
Yes, post some pics of your progress. I suppose you can elongate the hinge mounting holes to enable you to adjust the glove box door to align with the dash. You might also have to play with the latch (and light assembly).
Good luck. Sounds like you have a lot of time invested in your dash project.
Good luck. Sounds like you have a lot of time invested in your dash project.
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