Cleaning the door latch/locking assembly

[Leon Scott]

This is the first post from me and my school-aged son as we restore his future first car.

Our door latch assembly appears to have scale that has stiffened the components in the unlocked position. What techniques are appropriate for cleaning this? And are these made with all aluminum parts?

Thank you! ‘66 230SL

[kampala]

Leon

I am surprised you have not received any thoughts on this. 

Firstly, welcome to the forum and we hope to see the progress on your son’s future pagoda — pretty cool car for a youngster. 

I don’t know what is the right way or wrong way - for my locks, which were a little gunky and a little sticky, I soaked the thing in a degreaser and used a brush to get as much off as I could.  After a few minutes, I blew it dry and then used brake cleaner to get the rest of it clean.  After I used a light oil.  Inside the locks (key ways, I used a graphite. 

Not sure if what I did is the right way, but there it is. 

Good luck. 

[Jack the Knife]

Do test with a magnet!

[Leon Scott]

Thank you!

[Leon Scott]

Thank you!