I just purchased and installed a new glovebox lock from Chevy Duty for my 54 Chevy pickup. The retainer bracket was too long ... I also noticed that the old lock's retainer bracket had been cut to fit. I cut my retainer bracket and shortened it about 3/16" and everything works wonderfully -- my glovebox, with the new striker, closes perfectly -- the PO had fashioned his own and it was done quite poorly. As usual Chevy Duty supplies great stuff and I'm a VERY satisfied customer ... and it's great to be able to lock my glove box ... although I wish you guys would supply the old-fashioned keys instead of the newer oval style. Anyway, what's the deal with my retainer bracket needing to be shortened??? Is my glovebox door perhaps from a different year or from a GMC truck or something? The door itself is about 1/2" thick, I guess, at the lock position.
ANother glove box related item: replace the rubber bumpers for the glove box door. Door will spring open better. 49 cents a pair at CD. Don't understand why the bracket didn't fit but sounds like you made it work OK. If all else fails...improvise.
Hey, Bob I put new rubber-baby-buggy-bumpers in, and you're right ... that, along with the new lock-hardware, and my glovebox door opens and closes effortlessly -- just like new!