[al63]

Has anyone replaced the top latch handle? If so could you please share with me on how to do this. I have a broken handle, bought new ones, but can not figure out how to remove the broken one. Any help would be appreciated.

[Rachelsdad]

I've never had mine apart. My assumption has been that upon removing the latch from the header and turning it over, it would be fairly obvious.

If you remove the latch and turn it over, can you snap a picture or two and post back? I'll be happy to offer an observation.

[al63]

Thanks for the reply. Agree is should be straight forward, but it isn't Here are pictures of the part. Any ideas you have would be appreciated.

[Rachelsdad]

I would look at using a drift to drive out the pin shown at the top of your first picture (the pin which appears to have a head on it on the "inside" end). I don't think those are threaded, but just pressed in. Once that pin has been driven out, I think the assembly will "lift" off of the other one (lift is the wrong word, but fits based on the orientation of the latch in your first picture).

Be mindful of the spring. You might want to remove that first, if you can, to get it out of the way.

If anything else comes to mind or if I find anything, I'll follow up. Good luck.

Disclaimer: This is all just guessing on my part from looking at your pics, and desirable results are not guaranteed. I searched the net and believe it or not, could not find *one* hit - not even for a silly YouTube video - describing the latch disassembly or handle replacement. I searched for "61 62 63 64 full size gm," impala, pontiac, oldsmobile, buick, cadillac (they all used those very same latches in those years).

[al63]

Thank you for your input. I was thinking the same thing. Appears to be the only way to remove the broken part. They sell new ones so there must be a way to get the old out and the new in. I will let you know if it works.

What a pain!

[Rachelsdad]

I think we're seeing one of the reasons why the handles are so much less than the entire assemblies. LOL

Again, good luck. Posting your experience here will help others going forward, and that's what these forums are all about.

[al63]

After searching the internet, I found no one had posted a single thing about replacing the top latch handle. So with some confirming advice from fellow member, “Rachelsdad”, I decided to just go ahead and try to figure it out. I’m happy to say I was able to replace it and it wasn’t too bad to do.
I have decide to share what I learned so others can do this on their own. I have included some pictures as well.
Start by taking closeup pictures of the way the main latch is assembled. Make sure you take pictures of the springs and how they are installed. Pay attention to the latch arm orientation and the spring that is mounted on it. (See-Latch arm spring)
Then start by removing the 2 side springs(my picture only shows 1 as I had already removed 1( make note of how they are installed.(see-side spring) Next using a drift, punch, or what ever term or tool you use, drive the pins on the sides that hold the latch handle and the latch arm in the main mount. Drive them inward. (see picture labeled “Pin”. The pins are knurled but will go all the way through the latch handle. They are small and do not go all the way through latch handle Make sure you do not lose them.
Once the 2 pins are out, remove the latch handle and arm assembly. You will be able to see a pin that hold the latch arm and spring in the latch handle.(see-latch arm pin) Look at both sides of the pin before trying to drive it out. One side is knurled and you do not want to drive that part through the assembly. It will not fit through the hole in the latch arm. Drive it out in the opposite direction. Use a punch to drive the pin through the latch handle and arm spring. Make sure the arm spring doesn’t fly away from you.
You can now replace the latch handle by installing the latch arm into the latch handle the reverse of what you did to disassemble it. The biggest challenge was getting the arm spring back in place and in the right orientation. Remember to reference your picture. With my new handle the holes for the latch arm pin were very tight. I used a drill bit slightly larger than the hole in the handle and drilled out some of the chrome to allow the pin to go in easier.
Install the latch handle with the arm installed into the latch assembly. Line up the holes in the handle and the holes in the main assembly and drive the pins back in.
Hopefully this helps you should you have a latch handle that breaks like I did. Or you just want to have better looking latch handle. Taking a little time to replace the handles is a lot less than the cost of replacing the whole assembly.