Door latch woes...

[farside847]

My 71 chevy C10 had some major door issues. So, I ordered up a nice
big box of parts (BBOP) and started to rebuild them. I got new locks,
pawls, inside and outside handles, door relays, latch, escutcheons, and
all new rubber.

Everything went together great and most of my door "issues" were solved!
Everything but the latch... The new latch was not a GM part but an
after market one that was to be "compatible". Once it was installed the
new latch did not ratchet correctly on the striker. I tried adjusting the
height and angle of the door, but it still would not close correctly. Eventually
I ended up lubing up the old one and putting it back in so the door would
at least close. But it still takes quite a "slam" to get it to close and does
not lock with the key.

I have tried looking for a GM latch, but so far have not found one. Found
a few used ones, but they look almost as warn as my old one. I did find
a bran new GM striker that I ordered on ebay that might help. Should get
it next week...

Does anyone know where I might be able to find a drivers side GM latch?

Or, do you guys know of a few magic hints to help me get mine to work
correctly again?

thanks!
Shawn