Can't lock door unless I push in

[Smokinhart]

Had the same issue recently under very similar condition. I ended up replacing the latch in the door and reworking the striker, raising it . Have you recently replaced rockers or cab supports? That was initially the originating cause of my issues. I didn't double check my door in the frame while welding in the support. Good luck. It took some time to get it near the right striking location. Look at the top edge of the striker to see it it hits the top of the latch. Try lifting, pushing down on the door as well when closing. That was the revealing element. Only needed a fraction of an inch to get it to lock after the new Latch was installed. My drivers door was hitting too low in the gear and binding inside the latch. Member, Lock Doc, may have some additional info. I have resourced him numerous times on window and door procedures.
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[Andy4639]

I had this same problem and finally got it to where it will lock but I bought all new hardware for it and adjusted it all over the place before I got it right. It just takes time and a lot of patience. Walk a way for awhile then go back and try it again.

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I had this same problem and finally got it to where it will lock but I bought all new hardware for it and adjusted it all over the place before I got it right. It just takes time and a lot of patience. Walk a way for awhile then go back and try it again.

Thanks, Andy. Not really frustrated with it, I'm actually fairly happy that I have been able to adjust the doors without removing the fenders. This was the last piece in the puzzle, but I can't seem to get it. I have been trying for a little bit every night for about a week without any luck.

[clemsonteg]

I'm wondering if this is my problem:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32&postcount=4

[Jurassic-1]

If the latch is worn it will do what you are describing. I used to repair them before replacements were so available. If you remove it there is a hook shaped latch which is spring loaded and latches on the wheel that rotates foreword as the door is closed. The hook becomes worn and it does not catch as it should. I used to weld up the area that wore down. I recommend replacing it and it should fix the problem.

[Smokinhart]

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

I'm wondering if this is my problem:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32&postcount=4

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[Smokinhart]

I believe you. It's worth the $55 to get it working again. I was also hesitant. It worked out well for me. The folks at the city counter there at LMC are pretty good to work with. I've bought enough stuff over the years that the owner took time to come over and talk to me with several other managers at one of their business hosted events. Even got a nice thank " you for your business"hand written letter from them on occasion. That's going above and beyond for the customer. Nobody else I've ordered from even noticed my business transactions. There are lots of supporting businesses here I'm sure someone will have the quality latch to help you out. Again good luck !
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[LockDoc]

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The latch and striker may not be the problem at all. You may have to adjust the front of the door out a small amount by loosening the hinge bolts that screw into the front of the door. If you do that only do one hinge at a time. DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS IN BOTH HINGES AT THE SAME TIME!!! Mark around the hinges with a fine felt tip marker so you can tell how much you have moved it and you can move it back to the original position if you need to. Only move them about 1/16 of an inch at a time and try it. I would start with the bottom hinge first. Be sure and watch the door to fender clearance so it doesn't catch and bend the front of the door or back of the fender.

LockDoc

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
The latch and striker may not be the problem at all. You may have to adjust the front of the door out a small amount by loosening the hinge bolts that screw into the front of the door. If you do that only do one hinge at a time. DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS IN BOTH HINGES AT THE SAME TIME!!! Mark around the hinges with a fine felt tip marker so you can tell how much you have moved it and you can move it back to the original position if you need to. Only move them about 1/16 of an inch at a time and try it. I would start with the bottom hinge first. Be sure and watch the door to fender clearance so it doesn't catch and bend the front of the door or back of the fender.

LockDoc

I'll have to look again. I know that I have the hinge on the door side adjusted as far out as it will go and I have 1/16-1/8" of shims between the hinge and cab to shim the door out further. I'm going to check and compare how much play I have in the pin in the center of the star wheel on each side. The only reason I think it may be in the latch is because I have followed the same procedure to adjust the doors, latches, and strikers on both sides and all things being equal, I have an issue on one side that I don't have on the other.

[clemsonteg]

Originally Posted by Smokinhart

Had the same issue recently under very similar condition. I ended up replacing the latch in the door and reworking the striker, raising it . Have you recently replaced rockers or cab supports? That was initially the originating cause of my issues. I didn't double check my door in the frame while welding in the support. Good luck. It took some time to get it near the right striking location. Look at the top edge of the striker to see it it hits the top of the latch. Try lifting, pushing down on the door as well when closing. That was the revealing element. Only needed a fraction of an inch to get it to lock after the new Latch was installed. My drivers door was hitting too low in the gear and binding inside the latch. Member, Lock Doc, may have some additional info. I have resourced him numerous times on window and door procedures.
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Thanks for the info. I am considering replacing the latch. I have adjusted the striker up, down, in, and out all with the same result. I am wondering if after 45 years the latch just has too much play allowing it to bind. I figure the driver side door would have been used more than the passenger side making it wear more.