Hi folks, 

I’ve been trying off and on for more than a year to get my kitchen lid on my 85 to latch correctly.  Close easily and be latched and then open easily. 

Today, I finally asked for help from a neighbor, who, through my van has become a friend.

He is a veterinarian and surgery specialist. 

I approached this as a surgery like problem. 

He offered to help and I created a good working environment. 

He straightened the metal catch on my vice and measured carefully looking at the latch.  He then bent it up a bit and then added a bit of lube. 

Perfect!  It latches and opens and closes easy again. 

These vans may defeat me sometimes but in the end the result is stronger friendships with those around us. 

Now, to get his help on the 84 lid with same problem!
My pride is intact as he check my driver side handle install and approved.

I wish you all van successes, or at least good times when help is needed.

Eric Caron