Not good door latch spins freely

[CaliLivn]

My 72's passenger side door latch spins freely inside. The part that catches on the striker plate to hold the door shut. I can push the door in an lock it an it'll stay closed but if I don't lock it the door won't stay shut.... I'm thinking I need another latch or is there an adjustment or something? I haven't taken it off yet. I removed the door panels an noticed the window track in the way. I'm kinda handy but wanted to ask for some advice an help on here first before taking stuff apart.

[hugger6933]

Yeah, you need a latch and you will be shocked at difference a new one makes. jim

[Sammy]

After 40 plus years of faithful abuse it has finally given up. Surprised it is the passenger side usually the driver's side is first. Don't think you can expect that kind of dedicated service from your newer vehicles today.

[jhwkns]

Same problem here. Passenger side is kaput as of yesterday. Heading out to pull it apart in a little while.

[brad_man_72]

My drivers side did that not too long ago. I just had to weld the piece that broke back on, works good as new now.

[CaliLivn]

Originally Posted by jhwkns

Same problem here. Passenger side is kaput as of yesterday. Heading out to pull it apart in a little while.

How'd it go? I'm gonna pull mine when I get my replacement latch.

[Vova]

I'll try to pull it tonight and bring it tomorrow.

[Drewski23]

what do you mean spins freely? Im just asking because i have my doors apart and im replacing everything inside..my doors open and close fine but i dont want to be taking my truck apart again after everything is finished...how do i know if they are going bad?

[CaliLivn]

Thanks Vova. No biggie if u can't. It can be shipped later. I got cash for those other parts tomorrow.
Drewski23 I don't really know how to tell if their going bad? One day mine was working then the next day my pops opened the door an shut it an it wouldn't stay shut. The piece that catches on the striker plate just spun around an didn't engage.

[jhwkns]

Originally Posted by CaliLivn

How'd it go? I'm gonna pull mine when I get my replacement latch.

It was only the spring that broke on mine. I'll try to get a replacement tomorrow.

[Jurassic-1]

I have had the same problem. Sometimes they get a broken spring and others have worn out the catch lever. Another sign of a worn latch is the door popping back after it is shut. It will not always pop open just click back 1 notch.If you look at the gear wheel on the latch with the latch assy. removed you can see a latch finger that stops the wheel from turning freely. I have noticed considerable wear on some old trucks where they were never lubed. I have been able to weld the catch and reface it and it works like new. So if you are handy with a welder you may be able to repair it.

[JudgeUnderwoodHammer]

My driver door latch messed up on me the other day. Rolled the window up and when I shut the door it popped back open. Latch just spun like mentioned above. When I came out to leave I grabbed a piece of wire to tie it shut. I rolled the window down to cool off while working on it and to my surprise it latched! Tried again with window up. Latch didn't work. Rolled the window down and boom...latched perfectly. I dunno whats up with it. Just thought I'd share.

[El Dorado Jim]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=732400 here is a good thread on how to take your door apart to get the latch assembly out