Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 12:02 AM

So I've been doing a bunch of refurbishing and "things" have been apart awhile.

DRIVER DOOR:
I attached the latch (the on-the-door part) which engages with the long arm to the door handle, then mounted the latch to the door with new screws (yes, the correct ones). The handle movement causes NOTHING to move! I took it all off, manually moved the latch mechanism - it movs fine, the long arm IS attached/engaged on it. I've gotta be doing something wrong.

PASSENGER DOOR

On this door the latch (again, the on-the-door part) had NOT been off the truck. So (I think) I know its installed correctly.

But I removed the part on the door frame (called the striker plate?) painted & reinstalled it, approximately "centered". I did close the door slowly to see if the latch would fit between the "bumps" - for lack of a better term - without hitting them. See "bumps" below:

This is the driver's side. It's right-side-up, isn't it?

It immediately would NOT open, would not "un-latch".

I figured, "It's ok, I left the door locked! I went inside, moved the handle - nothing. Rolled the window down and tried operating the outside button and/or the inside handle and pulled on the door - NOTHING. I tried shouldering the door HARD from the inside - nothing.

At this point I've just gotta figure out how to open the door at all. ALL suggestions deeply appreciated.

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 12:51 AM

Hello Dan. A question first. Are your inner door panels on. Beyond brute force my thoughts were if you had'nt put the panels on yet it might be possible to loosen the door hinges and slide the door forward enough to unjam it. If so be sure the mark the hinges. Reaching the bottom hinge is hard but doable.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 12:58 AM

Unfortunately, the passenger door panel IS on.

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 01:34 AM

This does'nt help you unstick your door but heres a picture of my door drivers side. They do not look the same. Does apart for awhile mean that you had latch plates off of both doors? They could be switched. What can you see looking down where the glass is. Any way to reach latch from that angle?

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 01:53 AM

Thanks for the photo!

Looks much the same to me. The "bumps" or "stops" are oriented the same as far as I can tell, but its hard to see as my shot wasn't taken straight on as yours is. I'll double check that tomorrow.

Actually, looking down through the window slot is probably my ONLY hope to get the damn door open!

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 02:17 AM

Dan, Look at the bottom of each striker plate. The bottom has a slight angle.That is used as a ramp of sorts to push the door up into position when closed and the latch on the door can rotate to the shut position. See if your ramp is going from low out side of door to high toward inside of cab.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 02:20 AM

Yes, now I see what you're referring to. I was focused on the upper part as the part that holds the actual latch, not so much the lower part. I'll check and if its opposite yours I'll switch them, IF I can get the door open!

Chevette · 03-24-2013, 09:47 AM

Answer:

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 01:26 PM

Hello Dan, Hope that when you read this your problem has been solved. If not here are a couple more ideas that you can throw up in the air and see where they land. 1) The screws on the latch look like philips heads. Is there enough lenght on the back side that you might be able to grasp and loosen the screws to loosen the plate and give it some wiggle room. Hopefully at least take some tension off the plate. 2)Back to the door hinge. There are about 13 philips bolts on the door panel. 2 of them you can't reach when the door is shut, but by taking the others out it would flex enough to allow you to reach the door hinge without damage to the panel. Readjusting the door is the tedious part. Heres hoping that you don't need this advice. Stay away crow bars and torches. Good luck.

Rude Dude · 03-24-2013, 01:27 PM

Dan don't take this advice in a wrong way buddy, but with camera's in all our cell phone phones now a days I sometimes take a picture of stuff to remind me how it went back together, it sucks getting old right!

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 01:52 PM

Rudy, I don't take it wrong. You're saying, "You dumb****. You shoulda taken pictures!" And you're right, lol. I KNOW I should have.

Now I'm in a helluva fix. Clarance, no the screw aren't long enough to reach from behind.

I'm in the driveway scratching my head now. More to come!
Posted via Mobile Device

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 02:10 PM

Clarance,
Judging from the photo of your strike plate, I have mine on the wrong sides!!!

Which explain why my driver's door won't latch and unfortunately probably explains why the passenger door won't UN latch.

I only see 3 bolts on each hinge. Where are the two others? They're not visible judging from the drivers door.
Posted via Mobile Device

**mr48chev** · 03-24-2013, 02:15 PM

Over the past 40 years of messing with old trucks I've found that the first thing a guy needs to do is properly align the doors with no latches on them and then install the latches. That saves a lot of fighting with stuck latches.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 02:38 PM

Ok, I got it open you guys! HALLELUJAH!!!

Basically it was wedged tight. Nothing was holding it really. Can't figure that because I didn't slam it closed. Anyway, my Streamlight flashlight, a long screwdriver and a single rap popped it open. Now to swap the striker plates!
Posted via Mobile Device

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 02:42 PM

Hello Dan. On these door hinges there are 6 bolts on each hinge upper and lower. 3 on the door and 3 on the cab mount. Top and bottom. The bolts I am talking about are in the door only. They mainly adjust the door front to back. The cab hinge mostly but not limited to is for body alignment and up and down. I think the only way to get your door to move is through the hinges. Be sure not to scratch the paint.

Clarance J · 03-24-2013, 02:48 PM

YAHOO. Glad you didn't have to go through all the trouble.

Earl aka Clarance J

_Ogre · 03-24-2013, 02:49 PM

mr48: i read that and thought to myself, boy that guy must be old and then realized i bought my 1st 58 in 1972. 41 yrs ago

dan: a couple things.
your striker plate looks wrong, universal fit for both sides. everyone i've seen has been like what clarence posted 2 pieces riveted together.
the door that is latched... if it's all the way closed, push hard and then unlatch it and pull hard. sometimes they latch hard when in a bind.

_Ogre · 03-24-2013, 02:51 PM

dang i type slow

glad you got it.

**mr48chev** · 03-24-2013, 05:04 PM

I'm only 66 Ogre but I hung around the "older guys" with cars a lot when I was real young.

How are you coming on getting that door open Dan?

Highsider · 03-24-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

How are you coming on getting that door open Dan?

Scroll up a few post and I gather he figured it out.

**mr48chev** · 03-24-2013, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highsider

Scroll up a few post and I gather he figured it out.

Well paint my face red on that one. I forgot rule 1. and that is to read the whole thread before answering. Rule 2. is to read the dates of the previous last posts before posting.

Good to see that someone is accomplishing something. Now back out to the work area to hunt for some metric bolts for the box with wheels that seemed to have grown feet.

Highsider · 03-24-2013, 05:59 PM

I like "Rule 1 & 2"....
I am borrowing for other forums I am on.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-24-2013, 08:46 PM

On my iPhone the photos I post show upside down but everyone else's are right side up! No wonder my striker plate doesn't "look quite right".

Anyway, got a lot of my Mickey Mouse painting done today and I'm bushed. I'll post some photos later
Posted via Mobile Device

1project2many · 03-25-2013, 12:01 AM

Quote:

your striker plate looks wrong, universal fit for both sides. everyone i've seen has been like what clarence posted 2 pieces riveted together.

Ogre, in my experience 55-57 trucks had a one piece, cast striker where 58-59 trucks used the two piece style. Now maybe this isn't completely true but I know I've pulled far more one piece strikers off trucks in the 55-57 range than two piece. My 57 has one piece strikers as well.

The door striker adjustment can be tricky. An old timer once told me the striker is supposed to put some downward pressure on the door and latch so I've always followed that advice during adjustment.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 03-25-2013, 01:08 AM

Yup, my striker plate is one piece.

I put the driver's side striker plate on; eye-balled at mid point and it latched first time. It also releases just fine.

I did the same thing he passenger door and it doesn't latch yet. I ran outta time to play with it but I'm sure it's just the adjustment. I'll play with it more tomorrow.

I'm THIS CLOSE to being able to mounting the door weather stripping. Yes, I've done a search and I know it doesn't go on like it would seem to. It doesn't contour to the door inner lip, it goes on opposite that - per my search results.

03-24-2013, 12:02 AM	#1
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! So I've been doing a bunch of refurbishing and "things" have been apart awhile. DRIVER DOOR: I attached the latch (the on-the-door part) which engages with the long arm to the door handle, then mounted the latch to the door with new screws (yes, the correct ones). The handle movement causes NOTHING to move! I took it all off, manually moved the latch mechanism - it movs fine, the long arm IS attached/engaged on it. I've gotta be doing something wrong. PASSENGER DOOR On this door the latch (again, the on-the-door part) had NOT been off the truck. So (I think) I know its installed correctly. But I removed the part on the door frame (called the striker plate?) painted & reinstalled it, approximately "centered". I did close the door slowly to see if the latch would fit between the "bumps" - for lack of a better term - without hitting them. See "bumps" below: This is the driver's side. It's right-side-up, isn't it? It immediately would NOT open, would not "un-latch". I figured, "It's ok, I left the door locked! I went inside, moved the handle - nothing. Rolled the window down and tried operating the outside button and/or the inside handle and pulled on the door - NOTHING. I tried shouldering the door HARD from the inside - nothing. At this point I've just gotta figure out how to open the door at all. ALL suggestions deeply appreciated.

03-24-2013, 12:51 AM	#2
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Hello Dan. A question first. Are your inner door panels on. Beyond brute force my thoughts were if you had'nt put the panels on yet it might be possible to loosen the door hinges and slide the door forward enough to unjam it. If so be sure the mark the hinges. Reaching the bottom hinge is hard but doable. __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.

03-24-2013, 12:58 AM	#3
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Unfortunately, the passenger door panel IS on.

03-24-2013, 01:34 AM	#4
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! This does'nt help you unstick your door but heres a picture of my door drivers side. They do not look the same. Does apart for awhile mean that you had latch plates off of both doors? They could be switched. What can you see looking down where the glass is. Any way to reach latch from that angle? Attached Images __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.

03-24-2013, 01:53 AM	#5
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Thanks for the photo! Looks much the same to me. The "bumps" or "stops" are oriented the same as far as I can tell, but its hard to see as my shot wasn't taken straight on as yours is. I'll double check that tomorrow. Actually, looking down through the window slot is probably my ONLY hope to get the damn door open!

03-24-2013, 02:17 AM	#6
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Dan, Look at the bottom of each striker plate. The bottom has a slight angle.That is used as a ramp of sorts to push the door up into position when closed and the latch on the door can rotate to the shut position. See if your ramp is going from low out side of door to high toward inside of cab. __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.

03-24-2013, 02:20 AM	#7
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Yes, now I see what you're referring to. I was focused on the upper part as the part that holds the actual latch, not so much the lower part. I'll check and if its opposite yours I'll switch them, IF I can get the door open!

03-24-2013, 09:47 AM	#8
Chevette Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Langley, BC Posts: 702	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Answer: Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy PU http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=531955 Question: Know how to sell your truck for $50,000? Answer: Spend $100,000 building it.

03-24-2013, 01:26 PM	#9
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Hello Dan, Hope that when you read this your problem has been solved. If not here are a couple more ideas that you can throw up in the air and see where they land. 1) The screws on the latch look like philips heads. Is there enough lenght on the back side that you might be able to grasp and loosen the screws to loosen the plate and give it some wiggle room. Hopefully at least take some tension off the plate. 2)Back to the door hinge. There are about 13 philips bolts on the door panel. 2 of them you can't reach when the door is shut, but by taking the others out it would flex enough to allow you to reach the door hinge without damage to the panel. Readjusting the door is the tedious part. Heres hoping that you don't need this advice. Stay away crow bars and torches. Good luck. __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.

03-24-2013, 01:27 PM	#10
Rude Dude Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 1,188	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Dan don't take this advice in a wrong way buddy, but with camera's in all our cell phone phones now a days I sometimes take a picture of stuff to remind me how it went back together, it sucks getting old right! __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436442

03-24-2013, 01:52 PM	#11
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Rudy, I don't take it wrong. You're saying, "You dumb***. You shoulda taken pictures!" And you're right, lol. I KNOW I should have. Now I'm in a helluva fix. Clarance, no the screw aren't long enough to reach from behind. I'm in the driveway scratching my head now. More to come! Posted via Mobile Device*

03-24-2013, 02:10 PM	#12
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Clarance, Judging from the photo of your strike plate, I have mine on the wrong sides!!! Which explain why my driver's door won't latch and unfortunately probably explains why the passenger door won't UN latch. I only see 3 bolts on each hinge. Where are the two others? They're not visible judging from the drivers door. Posted via Mobile Device

03-24-2013, 02:15 PM	#13
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,718	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Over the past 40 years of messing with old trucks I've found that the first thing a guy needs to do is properly align the doors with no latches on them and then install the latches. That saves a lot of fighting with stuck latches. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-24-2013, 02:38 PM	#14
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Ok, I got it open you guys! HALLELUJAH!!! Basically it was wedged tight. Nothing was holding it really. Can't figure that because I didn't slam it closed. Anyway, my Streamlight flashlight, a long screwdriver and a single rap popped it open. Now to swap the striker plates! Posted via Mobile Device

03-24-2013, 02:42 PM	#15
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Hello Dan. On these door hinges there are 6 bolts on each hinge upper and lower. 3 on the door and 3 on the cab mount. Top and bottom. The bolts I am talking about are in the door only. They mainly adjust the door front to back. The cab hinge mostly but not limited to is for body alignment and up and down. I think the only way to get your door to move is through the hinges. Be sure not to scratch the paint. Attached Images __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.



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03-24-2013, 02:48 PM	#16
Clarance J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Grants Pass Oregon Posts: 474	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! YAHOO. Glad you didn't have to go through all the trouble. Earl aka Clarance J __________________ You have to have patiences or you'll be one.

03-24-2013, 02:49 PM	#17
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! mr48: i read that and thought to myself, boy that guy must be old and then realized i bought my 1st 58 in 1972. 41 yrs ago dan: a couple things. your striker plate looks wrong, universal fit for both sides. everyone i've seen has been like what clarence posted 2 pieces riveted together. the door that is latched... if it's all the way closed, push hard and then unlatch it and pull hard. sometimes they latch hard when in a bind. __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

03-24-2013, 02:51 PM	#18
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! dang i type slow glad you got it. __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

03-24-2013, 05:04 PM	#19
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,718	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! I'm only 66 Ogre but I hung around the "older guys" with cars a lot when I was real young. How are you coming on getting that door open Dan? __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

03-24-2013, 05:59 PM	#22
Highsider Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Southern Iowa Posts: 944	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! I like "Rule 1 & 2".... I am borrowing for other forums I am on.

03-24-2013, 08:46 PM	#23
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! On my iPhone the photos I post show upside down but everyone else's are right side up! No wonder my striker plate doesn't "look quite right". Anyway, got a lot of my Mickey Mouse painting done today and I'm bushed. I'll post some photos later Posted via Mobile Device

03-25-2013, 01:08 AM	#25
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Task Force - Door WON'T Open/The Other Won't Latch! Yup, my striker plate is one piece. I put the driver's side striker plate on; eye-balled at mid point and it latched first time. It also releases just fine. I did the same thing he passenger door and it doesn't latch yet. I ran outta time to play with it but I'm sure it's just the adjustment. I'll play with it more tomorrow. I'm THIS CLOSE to being able to mounting the door weather stripping. Yes, I've done a search and I know it doesn't go on like it would seem to. It doesn't contour to the door inner lip, it goes on opposite that - per my search results.

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