1974 G10 - Front Latch Lock Mising Part

Hello Vanners!

I'm new to the forum, I recently bought this 1974 G-10 Shorty window van from a friend. The van is a great cruiser surf vehicle. It's not a show winner, but it's a lot of fun. I've done a little work on her to get her tip-top, but there's one problem that I really need resolved and that's the sliding door lock. The door latches and slides fine, but the actually locking mechanism / arm is detached from the latch. The key goes into the cylinder and turns, but the arm is just not engaged with anything. There's obviously missing part, but I'm not sure what it is, it might be as simple as a bolt. I've taken it to a really good mechanic who works on old cars a lot and he's scratching his head. Does anyone have any ideas? I have the PDF and the physical copy of the 1974 Light Truck Service Manual, but it's not overly helpful in this case. everything else about the door has a blown out schematic, EXCEPT this latch, which was reduced to muddy photos. I'd appreciate any help if someone has had a similar problem and if someone can point me in the right direction. I've scoured the internet and I'm having a lot of trouble finding info. Please see the photos below.

The Van:



The front latch with plate:


The latch without plate:


The Locking bar not attached:


The locking cylinder / bar below the latch:


The image from the manual:




Let me know if you have any feedback and thank you!

Deke

There should be a pivot bolt that holds the locking rod plate to the outer face plate. The fastener could be sitting on the bottom of the inside of the door. Check the bottom of your door with a magnetic pickup tool. There are still many early third gen G10's and 20's laying around that have intact side door locking mechanisms

That's good advice, I didn't think to have a look on the interior of the door for the missing part. I'll give it a try. It might be a situation where I have to get the part out of a pick-a-part place. thanks!