We all know how expensive door latches are and how much grief they can cause, but it seems that if you have a GEMS with a dodgy drivers door latch, there's another option (as Marty is still away and not able to supply refurbed ones). Some may be aware that the MG TF uses the same latches as the GEMS P38, the only difference being that they have 6 + 2 way plugs rather than the 6 + 1 on the P38. Not a problem though as you only need to use the black wire in the 2 way connector and ignore the extra grey one that the MG latch has. However, while Rimmers have huge stocks of latches for LHD cars at ridiculously cheap prices (probably because there's not that many LHD MGs in the UK), latches for RHD MGs are around the same price as latches for RHD P38s. Every supplier seems to want £200 or thereabouts plus the VAT. All except one it seems, how about this https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/mgf-mgf14-exterior-bodyshell-panels/door-lock-rh-mgf-tf-rhd-fqj102262pma. There are two part numbers for the MG latch, the other one is FJQ000080PMA which you don't want as it is for the basic MG without central locking so doesn't have the microswitches we need.

If you have a Thor the plug is different. It uses a single 8 way plug but the latches are the same as on the GEMS so if you need one and don't mind getting involved in a bit of soldering and swapping the plug over, the MG one will work in a Thor too.

Nice find!

Bought one for the spares bin as soon as I saw your post.

Are you talking this for the cheap LHD door latch?

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-FQJ102281PMA

No, that's a RH door latch and isn't the same, the MG only has one microswitch in it (door ajar), it doesn't have a CDL switch so won't work in the passenger door on a P38. The LHD, LH latch https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-FQJ102292PMA is a direct replacement for the drivers door latch on a pre-99 LHD car and can be used on a later one if you chop the plug off and solder your original 8 way plug onto it.

Will be ordering one of these thanks for the heads up.

Just a quick question on fitting if all goes straight forward how long should I allow for the job?

£38 delivery pushes the price up for me a bit.

Most places quote higher prices for delivery to Highlands and Islands but it does seem a bit steep. Not sure but I think Royal Mail would still treat you the same as anywhere else, it's just couriers that think you are a foreign country. How long does it take post to get to you?

Allow at least a couple of hours if you've never been in there before. It can be fiddly as there is an unused bit of steel that sticks out of the side of the latch that does nothing other than stop it from being removed from the door as it catches on anything it can. You have to pull the outside door handle out so you can release the arm from the back of the lock barrel, unclip the arm from the handle at the latch and take the sill button off the long rod so the rod can go downwards and clear. You then lower and rotate the latch so it comes out. To start with you'll be wondering at what exact angle you need to get the latch so it comes out but by wiggling, twisting and wobbling you'll suddenly hat the sweet spot and out it comes. While in there you can grease the window mech too.

Thanks for the info, I can order parts and they can be with me in two days. Anything that is sent be courier can be a minimum of four days to two weeks plus. Screwfix etc. Delivery is free foc.
I tried to contact the company this afternoon regarding the lock, no answer will try tomorrow.
Thankyou once again for your help.