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I salvaged a 83 door with electronics (Right rear pax door) knowing I would have latch issues, But I'm tired looking at the collision damage on mine. I'll do my best to document the swap.

I'll post pics, but if you see the dreaded dash ( - ) sorry, I use google photos for my pic storage.

The issue with the 1983 door I salvaged is the latch and striker plate. They are different from my Pre 1979.5 latch and striker.

Pre 1979.5 Striker plate - 3 mounting screws


1983 Striker plate - 2 mounting screws

Pre 1979.5 latch mechanism



1983 latch mechanism

Pre 1979.5 latch mechanism bolt pattern. The 3 bolt hole pattern is slightly different from the 1983 pattern below.
The main difference is the lower 2 bolt holes.



1983 latch mechanism bolt pattern. I will alter the 2 lower bolt holes so the door will accept the Pre 1979.5 latch mechanism.


Side by side comparison. Note the 2 lower bolt holes in each pic. The 1983 door will require drilling to accept the Pre 1979.5 latch mechanism.

I put a 81 drivers door on a 76 once almost 20 years ago. I was able to install the 76 latch in the 81 door. Required one hole to be drilled if I remember right.

Ah yes, you are looking right at the spot with that last picture.

Removing the glass window to swap it into the 1983 door was a challenge.

You have to rotate the glass 90 degrees inside the door, then feed it up and out.

I followed the TSM window removal instructions and used extra muscle.

No update on the door after I hung it. Aligning it was PAINFULL. It will be painted soon. Will post pics then.