The lock on my driver side door is messed up. It wont unlock with key or the handle you have to pull the rod inside the door and open the door at same time to work. I had a spare door with another lock mechanism, but my problem is the 2 rods that connect the the handle are missing on the new one. I went to honda they said since one of the rods is riveted on they cannot switch them I had to buy a whole new mechanism which is $180. My question is you think it would be possible to take the rivet out and use a nut/bolt combo with a spacer? Would it still function normal? heres a pic to compare the two. Has any one done this before?

the rod on the bottom i can get out just need a new plastic bushing, but the rod on the top is the one in question. both move freely in their track which is why i thought a bolt with a nut and spacer might work for the top one.

 

before i go to work any one got any input?

 

A bolt and nut with a spacer in between should work fine. Just make sure the rods still move up and down freely. I would also use some type of lubricant like lithium grease to make sure it moves freely. I have rigged stuff up like that before for customers that didn't want to spend the money for a new latch. Also put some loctite on the bolt so you don't have to go back in the door panel 2 months from now because the nut fell off one of the rods.