FNG - Hi Everyone

[randy.powell]

Hi all - been "lurking" for months on the forum here trying to get educated. I recently bought a 1971 Cheyenne Super. That's the good news. The bad news is I recently bought a 1971 Cheyenne Super . She was a one family owned truck w/a 350, TH400 and 4:11 gears. A good truck to start with.

Needs everything but in good enough condition for a daily driver.

So I need some knowledge on why I can't get my driver's side door to lock. I'm assuming tne door latch is worn out as the locking mechanism woorks fine with the door open but when closed the locking knob won't depress all the way. Ideas?

Also, when I removed the door panel I found 2 of the blind nuts securing the bottom of the door panel missing. They appear to be the same ones that the armrest screws use.

I have scoured all of the parts catalogs I have and can't find these anywhere. Are these something I can find at Lowes in the hardware section?
If not, does anyone have a part number or a source for these?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Happy 4th to all!

B/R,
Randy

[amashal]

My locks do the same thing. Try pushing the door in while turning the key to lock it. I have to lean on door with my hip and it will lock. Have to do the same to unlock it. Seems to be just an adjustment issue but haven't looked further into it.

[Tinkermc]

Welcome to the Forum, glad to have you. This is a family and we SHARE PICTURES !!!!

[randy.powell]

So I solved part of my issue ITR the cage nuts that retain the armrest screws and 2 of the 4 screws that hold the 71 door panels on the bottom. If anyone needs the info they are 12-24 cage nuts (widely used on electronic equipment racks).

Big issue still is I can't get the drivers door not locking. Door open - no problem depressing the lock button. Door fully closed, Button will only depress halfway. Have spent hours trying to adjust door stop with no results.

Could it be my latch assembly is worn out? Seems to be a lot more "slop" in the locking pawl on the driver's side than on the passender side (which works fine).

Have lubed any and everything that moves...

Ideas - pointers?

Thanks,
Randy

[71swb4x4]

Randy, did you try amashal's suggestion? I too push on my door to get it to lock.

[boraxman]

Welcome/

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

Randy, did you try amashal's suggestion? I too push on my door to get it to lock.

I've had to do the same thing for the past 18 years... just gotten used to it.

And we don't have the typical "FNG syndrome" 'round here

[PanelDeland]

try this.Open the door all the way.Now out on the edge try lifting the door.If there's slop in the hinge you should feel it.If not someone already fixed it.Then as suggested,the door latch needs adjustment. It's just better to do it with good hinges than bad ones and having to do it over when you fix the hinge.

[randy.powell]

Thanks for all the ideas on things to check/look at.

Hinges are nice - no play.

Brought the latch plates on the cab way out so there was no interference from the door seals. Didn't work.

Pushing in on the door when closed - no good.

Read all the archived stuff via "search" and all are pointing to the door latch assembly if none of the above work.

New latch assemblies for both sides on order. As well as window regulators and everything else that moves inside the door. Going to both doors and only plan on going in there one time.

I appreciate the ideas from you more experienced guys.

B/R,
RP

[R.L.]

Welcome.