Can't lock door unless I push in - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

clemsonteg · 07-31-2015, 08:20 PM

I have had this problem since I first purchased the truck over 3 years ago. I have replaced the doors and the door seals (push on type) and I have adjust the driver side door all sorts of was with no luck. Even with the striker plate moved all the way out (and with the door completely weird looking) I still have to push in to lock the door. The only two things I can think of is that either the door seals are simply too thick and I can't use them, or there is something wrong with the latch. For reference, I have the exact same parts on te passenger side and I can lock it without issue. Any thoughts?

turp mcspray · 07-31-2015, 08:37 PM

I have had this same issue after installing new weatherstrip. You could try a different brand of weatherstrip, that is softer/thinner, or live with pushing in on the door.

**Smokinhart** · 07-31-2015, 08:46 PM

Had the same issue recently under very similar condition. I ended up replacing the latch in the door and reworking the striker, raising it . Have you recently replaced rockers or cab supports? That was initially the originating cause of my issues. I didn't double check my door in the frame while welding in the support. Good luck. It took some time to get it near the right striking location. Look at the top edge of the striker to see it it hits the top of the latch. Try lifting, pushing down on the door as well when closing. That was the revealing element. Only needed a fraction of an inch to get it to lock after the new Latch was installed. My drivers door was hitting too low in the gear and binding inside the latch. Member, Lock Doc, may have some additional info. I have resourced him numerous times on window and door procedures.
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy4639 · 07-31-2015, 08:52 PM

I had this same problem and finally got it to where it will lock but I bought all new hardware for it and adjusted it all over the place before I got it right. It just takes time and a lot of patience. Walk a way for awhile then go back and try it again.

clemsonteg · 07-31-2015, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokinhart

Had the same issue recently under very similar condition. I ended up replacing the latch in the door and reworking the striker, raising it . Have you recently replaced rockers or cab supports? That was initially the originating cause of my issues. I didn't double check my door in the frame while welding in the support. Good luck. It took some time to get it near the right striking location. Look at the top edge of the striker to see it it hits the top of the latch. Try lifting, pushing down on the door as well when closing. That was the revealing element. Only needed a fraction of an inch to get it to lock after the new Latch was installed. My drivers door was hitting too low in the gear and binding inside the latch. Member, Lock Doc, may have some additional info. I have resourced him numerous times on window and door procedures.
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks for the info. I am considering replacing the latch. I have adjusted the striker up, down, in, and out all with the same result. I am wondering if after 45 years the latch just has too much play allowing it to bind. I figure the driver side door would have been used more than the passenger side making it wear more.

clemsonteg · 07-31-2015, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I had this same problem and finally got it to where it will lock but I bought all new hardware for it and adjusted it all over the place before I got it right. It just takes time and a lot of patience. Walk a way for awhile then go back and try it again.

Thanks, Andy. Not really frustrated with it, I'm actually fairly happy that I have been able to adjust the doors without removing the fenders. This was the last piece in the puzzle, but I can't seem to get it. I have been trying for a little bit every night for about a week without any luck.

clemsonteg · 07-31-2015, 09:13 PM

I'm wondering if this is my problem:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32&postcount=4

**Jurassic-1** · 07-31-2015, 09:50 PM

If the latch is worn it will do what you are describing. I used to repair them before replacements were so available. If you remove it there is a hook shaped latch which is spring loaded and latches on the wheel that rotates foreword as the door is closed. The hook becomes worn and it does not catch as it should. I used to weld up the area that wore down. I recommend replacing it and it should fix the problem.

**Smokinhart** · 07-31-2015, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

I'm wondering if this is my problem:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32&postcount=4

Posted via Mobile Device

**LockDoc** · 07-31-2015, 09:52 PM

-
The latch and striker may not be the problem at all. You may have to adjust the front of the door out a small amount by loosening the hinge bolts that screw into the front of the door. If you do that only do one hinge at a time. DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS IN BOTH HINGES AT THE SAME TIME!!! Mark around the hinges with a fine felt tip marker so you can tell how much you have moved it and you can move it back to the original position if you need to. Only move them about 1/16 of an inch at a time and try it. I would start with the bottom hinge first. Be sure and watch the door to fender clearance so it doesn't catch and bend the front of the door or back of the fender.

LockDoc

**Smokinhart** · 07-31-2015, 10:00 PM

I believe you. It's worth the $55 to get it working again. I was also hesitant. It worked out well for me. The folks at the city counter there at LMC are pretty good to work with. I've bought enough stuff over the years that the owner took time to come over and talk to me with several other managers at one of their business hosted events. Even got a nice thank " you for your business"hand written letter from them on occasion. That's going above and beyond for the customer. Nobody else I've ordered from even noticed my business transactions. There are lots of supporting businesses here I'm sure someone will have the quality latch to help you out. Again good luck !
Posted via Mobile Device

clemsonteg · 07-31-2015, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
The latch and striker may not be the problem at all. You may have to adjust the front of the door out a small amount by loosening the hinge bolts that screw into the front of the door. If you do that only do one hinge at a time. DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS IN BOTH HINGES AT THE SAME TIME!!! Mark around the hinges with a fine felt tip marker so you can tell how much you have moved it and you can move it back to the original position if you need to. Only move them about 1/16 of an inch at a time and try it. I would start with the bottom hinge first. Be sure and watch the door to fender clearance so it doesn't catch and bend the front of the door or back of the fender.

LockDoc

I'll have to look again. I know that I have the hinge on the door side adjusted as far out as it will go and I have 1/16-1/8" of shims between the hinge and cab to shim the door out further. I'm going to check and compare how much play I have in the pin in the center of the star wheel on each side. The only reason I think it may be in the latch is because I have followed the same procedure to adjust the doors, latches, and strikers on both sides and all things being equal, I have an issue on one side that I don't have on the other.

Clavo106 · 07-31-2015, 10:44 PM

I would replace the latch/ or get used one from the yard. good luck

cdowns · 08-01-2015, 08:42 AM

Me i'd try heating up the door seals with a heat gun or hair dryer to make them very pliable to help close the door

clemsonteg · 08-01-2015, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

Me i'd try heating up the door seals with a heat gun or hair dryer to make them very pliable to help close the door

I can give that a try too. Should it be done with the door closed, or heat it and then close the door?

cdowns · 08-01-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

i can give that a try too. Should it be done with the door closed, or heat it and then close the door?

heat up and then close the door on it/// be carefull not to use too much heat

Andy4639 · 08-01-2015, 11:32 AM

Another thing to think about. Take a small pick and peek some holes in the trim to let the air escape when the door is shut.
You will never know they are there and they shouldn't bother the rubber at all if done right.

clemsonteg · 08-01-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Another thing to think about. Take a small pick and peek some holes in the trim to let the air escape when the door is shut.
You will never know they are there and they shouldn't bother the rubber at all if done right.

Thanks again Andy. I actually did that a few weeks ago thinking maybe it was trapped air not allowing the seal to collapse.

clemsonteg · 08-01-2015, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

heat up and then close the door on it/// be carefull not to use too much heat

Thanks. I'll try this a section at a time. Heat, close door, let cool, repeat. I will see if that helps.

**Jason Banks** · 08-01-2015, 11:55 AM

I took the door panel off(and it seemed like the first time it had ever been off) with the intention of removing the latch and checking it out. Then I decided I would spray some lubricant in it before removing to see if it helped, and it made mine lots better. So I put the door back together and called it a day.
Posted via Mobile Device

69chevytrucker · 08-01-2015, 12:11 PM

its the latch i had same thing too and tried everything and just ordered new latch and prob solved the little arm in the latch just wears and then with the door being tight it needs you to push on it to take the pressure off it so it can actuate if you stick a light in there you can watch what it does and then see what it does went you push on it

**Already Gone** · 08-01-2015, 01:34 PM

Mine does the same thing on the passenger door, so I decided to leave it as it is and just push on it a bit when I need to lock the door.

clemsonteg · 08-10-2015, 09:31 PM

I wanted to update everyone on the resolution to this:

I bought a new door latch and I was able to successfully lock the door without pushing or using my shoulder. the door fits super tight because of the door seals, new doors, and adjustments I had to make get everything lined up. I think if it weren't for all the new parts the old latch may have worked with some adjustments/lubrication. With all the new parts, I just don't think the old latch could handle it. Thanks again for all the advice!

**LockDoc** · 08-11-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemsonteg

I wanted to update everyone on the resolution to this:

I bought a new door latch and I was able to successfully lock the door without pushing or using my shoulder. the door fits super tight because of the door seals, new doors, and adjustments I had to make get everything lined up. I think if it weren't for all the new parts the old latch may have worked with some adjustments/lubrication. With all the new parts, I just don't think the old latch could handle it. Thanks again for all the advice!

Thanks for the resolution. Too many people don't follow through with that after they get something figured out......

LockDoc

slikside · 08-11-2015, 12:30 PM

sub'd.

07-31-2015, 08:20 PM	#1
clemsonteg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anderson,SC Posts: 953	Can't lock door unless I push in I have had this problem since I first purchased the truck over 3 years ago. I have replaced the doors and the door seals (push on type) and I have adjust the driver side door all sorts of was with no luck. Even with the striker plate moved all the way out (and with the door completely weird looking) I still have to push in to lock the door. The only two things I can think of is that either the door seals are simply too thick and I can't use them, or there is something wrong with the latch. For reference, I have the exact same parts on te passenger side and I can lock it without issue. Any thoughts?

07-31-2015, 08:37 PM	#2
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I have had this same issue after installing new weatherstrip. You could try a different brand of weatherstrip, that is softer/thinner, or live with pushing in on the door. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

07-31-2015, 08:46 PM	#3
Smokinhart Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 31	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in Had the same issue recently under very similar condition. I ended up replacing the latch in the door and reworking the striker, raising it . Have you recently replaced rockers or cab supports? That was initially the originating cause of my issues. I didn't double check my door in the frame while welding in the support. Good luck. It took some time to get it near the right striking location. Look at the top edge of the striker to see it it hits the top of the latch. Try lifting, pushing down on the door as well when closing. That was the revealing element. Only needed a fraction of an inch to get it to lock after the new Latch was installed. My drivers door was hitting too low in the gear and binding inside the latch. Member, Lock Doc, may have some additional info. I have resourced him numerous times on window and door procedures. Posted via Mobile Device

07-31-2015, 08:52 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I had this same problem and finally got it to where it will lock but I bought all new hardware for it and adjusted it all over the place before I got it right. It just takes time and a lot of patience. Walk a way for awhile then go back and try it again. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

07-31-2015, 09:13 PM	#7
clemsonteg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anderson,SC Posts: 953	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I'm wondering if this is my problem: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32&postcount=4

07-31-2015, 09:50 PM	#8
Jurassic-1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New River Arizona Posts: 1,180	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in If the latch is worn it will do what you are describing. I used to repair them before replacements were so available. If you remove it there is a hook shaped latch which is spring loaded and latches on the wheel that rotates foreword as the door is closed. The hook becomes worn and it does not catch as it should. I used to weld up the area that wore down. I recommend replacing it and it should fix the problem.

07-31-2015, 09:52 PM	#10
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in - The latch and striker may not be the problem at all. You may have to adjust the front of the door out a small amount by loosening the hinge bolts that screw into the front of the door. If you do that only do one hinge at a time. DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS IN BOTH HINGES AT THE SAME TIME!!! Mark around the hinges with a fine felt tip marker so you can tell how much you have moved it and you can move it back to the original position if you need to. Only move them about 1/16 of an inch at a time and try it. I would start with the bottom hinge first. Be sure and watch the door to fender clearance so it doesn't catch and bend the front of the door or back of the fender. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

07-31-2015, 10:00 PM	#11
Smokinhart Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 31	I believe you. It's worth the $55 to get it working again. I was also hesitant. It worked out well for me. The folks at the city counter there at LMC are pretty good to work with. I've bought enough stuff over the years that the owner took time to come over and talk to me with several other managers at one of their business hosted events. Even got a nice thank " you for your business"hand written letter from them on occasion. That's going above and beyond for the customer. Nobody else I've ordered from even noticed my business transactions. There are lots of supporting businesses here I'm sure someone will have the quality latch to help you out. Again good luck ! Posted via Mobile Device

07-31-2015, 10:44 PM	#13
Clavo106 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Yakima, WA Posts: 362	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I would replace the latch/ or get used one from the yard. good luck

08-01-2015, 08:42 AM	#14
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in Me i'd try heating up the door seals with a heat gun or hair dryer to make them very pliable to help close the door __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-01-2015, 11:32 AM	#17
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in Another thing to think about. Take a small pick and peek some holes in the trim to let the air escape when the door is shut. You will never know they are there and they shouldn't bother the rubber at all if done right. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-01-2015, 11:55 AM	#20
Jason Banks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TX Posts: 1,624	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I took the door panel off(and it seemed like the first time it had ever been off) with the intention of removing the latch and checking it out. Then I decided I would spray some lubricant in it before removing to see if it helped, and it made mine lots better. So I put the door back together and called it a day. Posted via Mobile Device

08-01-2015, 12:11 PM	#21
69chevytrucker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 1,248	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in its the latch i had same thing too and tried everything and just ordered new latch and prob solved the little arm in the latch just wears and then with the door being tight it needs you to push on it to take the pressure off it so it can actuate if you stick a light in there you can watch what it does and then see what it does went you push on it

08-01-2015, 01:34 PM	#22
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,144	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in Mine does the same thing on the passenger door, so I decided to leave it as it is and just push on it a bit when I need to lock the door. __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

08-10-2015, 09:31 PM	#23
clemsonteg Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Anderson,SC Posts: 953	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in I wanted to update everyone on the resolution to this: I bought a new door latch and I was able to successfully lock the door without pushing or using my shoulder. the door fits super tight because of the door seals, new doors, and adjustments I had to make get everything lined up. I think if it weren't for all the new parts the old latch may have worked with some adjustments/lubrication. With all the new parts, I just don't think the old latch could handle it. Thanks again for all the advice!



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08-11-2015, 12:30 PM	#25
slikside Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego Co. Posts: 1,179	Re: Can't lock door unless I push in sub'd. __________________ 1972 Chevy C-10, SWB, Fleet, 350/350, PS, PB, HEI, mostly stock, Survivor.

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