door lock problems

[57larry]

when I open the door of my 72, I can push the door lock down all the way to lock or I can use my key to lock. But when I shut my door, the lock button pops up and I cannot lock the door. if I'm sitting inside the truck with the door shut, I cannot push the lock button all the way down to lock. what gives??

[AJLChase]

I could be wrong, as I was messing with locks (power locks) and I believe it's a feature as to not allow you to lock your keys in your truck. You can get them to lock and close the door, but not with out having your door off kilter by way of the hinges...which I wouldn't recommend.

[PanelDeland]

Sounds like you have 2 things going on.The doors will only lock with the key.It's a design feature(that's what the engineers would call it) to keep you from locking your keys in as stated above.The other thing is that the doors are probably out of adjustment keeping you from being able to lock them with the key.I can lift on the handle of mine and lock it but haven't adjusted the doors yet.The striker may be out but it is more likely the hinges are worn and they door needs to be adjusted some,or the hinges rebuilt.

[57larry]

must be adjustment issues as when I sit in the truck, I can't lock the doors from the inside by just pushing the button down

[LockDoc]

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As the others have said you can only lock your door from the outside with the key. Did you put new weatherstripping on your doors? Try locking them from the outside with the key but push in on the door as you turn the key. You may have to adjust your striker plates out just a little. Mark around them with a fine tip marker before you loosen them up so you can tell how far you move them. I would only go about 1/16th of an inch at a time.

LockDoc

[geezer#99]

I've been playing with the same problem. Determined that due to the tumbler cross shaft being warn that when the door is closed it moves slightly off kilter and the edge of the lock arm hangs up on the peak of the tumbler. I'm gonna try a dremel tool to grind a knife edge so it will slide into place without hanging up. My locks work great till I close the door. Will take some pics tommorrow when I pull it apart.

[mr48chev]

I've had a similar problem with mine and had to lube the lock it's self to get it to work smoothly.
I'd say that something is hanging up somewhere and the guys have given you some good suggestions.

Also use a bit of lock lube in the tumbler so that it is working smoothly. Maybe Lockdoc can fill us in on the right stuff to use there.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I've had a similar problem with mine and had to lube the lock it's self to get it to work smoothly.
I'd say that something is hanging up somewhere and the guys have given you some good suggestions.

Also use a bit of lock lube in the tumbler so that it is working smoothly. Maybe Lockdoc can fill us in on the right stuff to use there.

All I use for lock lube is any spray lube with Teflon in it. I do use PB Blaster to wash them out, then blow them out with air to get the dirt and PB Blaster out, and spray some Teflon based lube in them. Some people swear by Graphite based lubes but I can tell you for a fact that when Graphite gets wet it turns into a gummy mess.

LockDoc

[LiMiT44]

LocDoc,

Can you suggest a brand name of "spray lube with Teflon in it" that we can easily find at a parts store or even discount store? I know my 67's locks need cleaned and lubed. You know farmers never locked and usually left the keys in em. I know drive mine into the city, lol the computer in the bag on the floor is worth more then I paid for my truck. I will use you PB blaster then air idea, just want to know what to buy for lube.

Thanks,
LiMiT44

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by LiMiT44

LocDoc,

Can you suggest a brand name of "spray lube with Teflon in it" that we can easily find at a parts store or even discount store? I know my 67's locks need cleaned and lubed. You know farmers never locked and usually left the keys in em. I know drive mine into the city, lol the computer in the bag on the floor is worth more then I paid for my truck. I will use you PB blaster then air idea, just want to know what to buy for lube.

Thanks,
LiMiT44

I use Tri-Flow:
http://www.triflowlubricants.com/pro...ntaerosol.html

I'm sure this would work good also and is cheaper:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motor...chain-lube.htm

Anything that says "Teflon" or "P.T.F.E. based" would be OK.

LockDoc

[big mike71]

Mine was doing the same thing I took them out, cleaned and oiled them they work great now. They are kind of hard to put back together though, It will test your patience.

[Wideopenracing15]

Subscribed. Im having some similar problems.

[geezer#99]

I tried to make the lock arm fit in the tumbler but didn't work. Cleaned and greased with lubriplate. No better. Tried some teflon grease I had. still no go. Decided to use the wallet degreaser (credit card). New door latches are on their way. When parts are 44 years old they could need replacing. When in doubt throw money at it. LOL