door latch help needed

[msaintg]

hi guys,
I need your help. I finally got my doors to close properly, but now I can't get them to latch properly. The stock door latches do not seem to 'cam' over and catch the striker plate. The tiny 'lock' tab/pin is the only thing that holds the door closed. If I use the outside handle to open the doors, the lock pin pulls up and the door opens, but the pin will not come back down and the door no longer 'latches'. Do I have the striker plates upside down or something? I can't figure out what the 'cam' mechanism does.

I know, I know, i should have just bit the bullet and got the easy latches, but I thought the stock latches would work for a while so I could put my money somewhere else.

thanks,

[mknittle]

I hate those latches!

[oldcouple]

You may have the latch plate too far in, loosen it up and allow it to "float" on impact, then firmly, almost slam the door. Then open it and re tighten, repeat. When adjusted correctly the cam should pull the door the last quarter inch tight. Its a Chevy, slam it, it can take it.

[msaintg]

thanks guys,
there is no adjustment in/out on these striker plates. I thought about e-longating the mounting holes, but then I realized the new repro latches were just crap. I sent them back today and have bit the bullet and have Easy Latches on the way. Oh well, I was over budget anyway.... and it is a safety thing anyway.... right.

[Bubba54]

Yeah, I fought with the stock latches for while then went with the easy latch.
A couple of pics on my 54 GMC.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Bubba54

Yeah, I fought with the stock latches for while then went with the easy latch.
A couple of pics on my 54 GMC.

Attachment 1107827

Attachment 1107830

That's the way to go

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by msaintg

thanks guys,
there is no adjustment in/out on these striker plates. I thought about e-longating the mounting holes, but then I realized the new repro latches were just crap. I sent them back today and have bit the bullet and have Easy Latches on the way. Oh well, I was over budget anyway.... and it is a safety thing anyway.... right.

What's a budget? These trucks don't know what that is