79 Midget door panel and handle woes....help!! [again!]

[Blackjokr]

holy smoke!! I did not realize what a pain getting those new door panels on were! I got the clips and NWI told me I need 13 per door. I can only find 11 locations for them but after fussing with it for an hour and a half i FINALLY got one on. They have to be just right..ugh. Ok so i got the Window crank on and the plastic ring around it no problem. But..the door handles are a problem. I got one on but the locking mechanism now will not move. it moves freely BEFORE I put it in and they are originals off anothe Midget, so here's my question. I see there is a kind of L latch on the back and there is an "arm" inside where the lock should fit with a square hole in it. How should the lock be positioned?? the door is DEFINITELY in the UNlocked position as I can open the handle from the outside. I'd like ot try an dmake it work, but it is on now and the door handle works but not the lock. of course the lock is a waste of time to secure the car, but ti woul dbe nice to get it back to original if possible. Anyone have any advice? or photos??

thanks again (as always!),

Lou

 

[Trevor Jessie]

They are quite fiddly. No advice other than stick with it.

 

[Blackjokr]

lol..thanks Trevor...that's kind of what i did and so far I got the one in but not locking. then again, locking that car is kind of a waste!

 

[nomad]

I also have a Miata besides the spridget's. It came with an alarm system that has proximity detection. You can leave the top down and if you wave your hand thru the passenger compartment the alarm go'es off!
Came from the Chicago area and I suppose the PO considered it necessary but I hate it. It just discharges the battery if you don't drive it regularly.

Sooo, could put one in a spridget.

Kurt.