78 Crew Cab Doord Won't Latch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1TonOfun · 07-30-2004, 02:57 AM

I'm not sure what the problem is with my passenger and driver's side front doors, but I have to slam them shut to get them to latch al the way. How do I fix them so they latch all the way with only lightly shutting the door? I'm afraid this will start busting things off inside the doors! Help!

Russell · 07-30-2004, 03:14 AM

You probally need to adjust the striker (the bar that sticks out of the door, I think?)

Never needed to bother with it, but I do know that you have to loosen something, move it to where it should be, then your door will close.

Sorry I'm not much more help here!

bigblock73 · 07-30-2004, 07:53 AM

It could also be from the doors sagging and not hitting the striker bolt correctly, if that is the case, you will need to rebuild/replace your door hinges.

Oh, and welcome to the board.

**N2TRUX** · 07-30-2004, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

It could also be from the doors sagging and not hitting the striker bolt correctly, if that is the case, you will need to rebuild/replace your door hinges. Oh, and welcome to the board.

Like Jeff said your problem is more than likely in the hinges. It's very common for the bushings and pins to wear out in the hinges. When they wear the doors sag and it doesn't line up with the striker.

Try getting the door almost closed and lifting up on the door handle. If you have up and down play the bushing are worn. You can buy kits to repair them at some auto parts.

Welcome to the forum....

Grim Reaper · 07-30-2004, 10:54 AM

The plastic peice on the striker bolt is missing. It makes the diameter smaller and as such it doesn't trip the latch. If you adjust the striker so that it latches then the door will probably rattle.
Help section at pep girls or Auto zone. They sell a new striker but right buy it they will sell some gray bushings listed for a Ford. There will be 4 in the package and cost less then the GM striker. They will work but a VERY tight fit when you pound them on.

Grim Reaper · 07-30-2004, 10:58 AM

http://ken-co.com/hingepin/door.htm
It shows a drawing of the part in top right. The GM striker is like the Ford Strikers farther down with the gray sleave.

TrainD5115 · 07-30-2004, 12:01 PM

I've been working on the same problem. I replaced the striker bolts first and it kept the doors tight and they closed easier. Check the body lines on the doors too. Are they in line with the front fender and bed? My driver's door wasn't. The hinges were good but the bushings were shot. It's a process of elimination. If you put on new striker bolts don't torque them down right away. Snug them up a tad and shut your door to set it in the right spot. The striker should not be supporting the door, just keeping it closed. After that you can torque them. Just be sure they don't move when you tighten them or you'll have to start all over. Good luck.

79 Chevy Scottsdale (BigBird)

07-30-2004, 02:57 AM	#1
1TonOfun Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Dallas, Oregon Posts: 2	78 Crew Cab Doord Won't Latch I'm not sure what the problem is with my passenger and driver's side front doors, but I have to slam them shut to get them to latch al the way. How do I fix them so they latch all the way with only lightly shutting the door? I'm afraid this will start busting things off inside the doors! Help!

07-30-2004, 03:14 AM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	You probally need to adjust the striker (the bar that sticks out of the door, I think?) Never needed to bother with it, but I do know that you have to loosen something, move it to where it should be, then your door will close. Sorry I'm not much more help here! __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-30-2004, 07:53 AM	#3
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	It could also be from the doors sagging and not hitting the striker bolt correctly, if that is the case, you will need to rebuild/replace your door hinges. Oh, and welcome to the board. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

07-30-2004, 10:54 AM	#5
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	The plastic peice on the striker bolt is missing. It makes the diameter smaller and as such it doesn't trip the latch. If you adjust the striker so that it latches then the door will probably rattle. Help section at pep girls or Auto zone. They sell a new striker but right buy it they will sell some gray bushings listed for a Ford. There will be 4 in the package and cost less then the GM striker. They will work but a VERY tight fit when you pound them on. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

07-30-2004, 10:58 AM	#6
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	http://ken-co.com/hingepin/door.htm It shows a drawing of the part in top right. The GM striker is like the Ford Strikers farther down with the gray sleave. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

07-30-2004, 12:01 PM	#7
TrainD5115 North Coast, baby! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 437	I've been working on the same problem. I replaced the striker bolts first and it kept the doors tight and they closed easier. Check the body lines on the doors too. Are they in line with the front fender and bed? My driver's door wasn't. The hinges were good but the bushings were shot. It's a process of elimination. If you put on new striker bolts don't torque them down right away. Snug them up a tad and shut your door to set it in the right spot. The striker should not be supporting the door, just keeping it closed. After that you can torque them. Just be sure they don't move when you tighten them or you'll have to start all over. Good luck. 79 Chevy Scottsdale (BigBird)



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