I think 55-57 Chevy share some parts in the '62 latch. I recall them being very similar.
I looked and could only find some '63+. They are definitely out there, just have to be patient.
You’re saying the actual latch assembly from a 63 will mount and latch to the 62 striker? So I can swap the latch assembly’s and it will work?
Sorry to disagree but look at the pictures below and you will see that the door latch assembly from a 63-67 will in fact work with a 62 striker mounted on the car. This is not true in reverse. A 62 door latch assembly is only compatible with a 62 striker. Also, the door latches have the same bolt pattern from 62-67 so a latch from these years will bolt into any doors from the same range of 62-67. The striker bolt pattern changed in 63 on the car so if you have a 62 car, you can only bolt up a 62 striker UNLESS you do like Lenny2 and modify the car. I believe the reason the 63 latch and striker was redesigned was so in an accident, the door was less likely to pop open.
You’re saying the actual latch assembly from a 63 will mount and latch to the 62 striker? So I can swap the latch assembly’s and it will work?
No offense taken Lenny. The parts I'm mixing do not change the security of the door at all. Pretty easy to see the improvement if you study the pictures. A 62 latch (the part that goes in the door) does not have a raised ridge to interlock inside of any striker so I can't see any impact on safety from using either latch with a 62 striker (the part that bolts to the car). A brand new NOS 62 latch and striker will not be as safe as a 63-67 hence the redesign. I'm telling you my personal experience with my 62 convertible after ten years of ownership and 30,000 miles, my door has never popped open or failed to close perfectly.
You answered your own question. Improved engagement equals improved safety. As I've said and documented, a 62 latch (the part that goes in the door) will only work on a 62 car using a 62 striker(the part that bolts on the car). Very small market for a part that only fits one year of car. Luckily, the latch (the part that goes in the door) that is available on the market which is listed as fitting a 63-67, will also work on a 62 car with a 62 striker. All latches (the part that goes in the door) 62-67 have the same bolt pattern. The 62 striker has a different bolt pattern from the 63-67 strikers.
The way you fixed your problem is terrific. You have the ability and the courage to modify your car from the 62 system to the improved 63-67 type. That's great but not everyone can go that route. This is a hobby of course and mixing and matching parts is a part of it. I'm simply pointing out one solution to this problem that other 62 owners were not aware of.
