1967 C10 driver door latch issues

[Pinkdubai]

I replaced the door latch on my 1967 C10 to be able to key lock/unlock the door. Everything works fine unless I lock the door and then depress the door handle button. Depressing the button results in a latch release noise and then the door will not unlock. I took off the door cover and the latch Pawl is frozen in the upright position. I can force it down with a screwdriver, which allows the key to lock or unlock the door assuming I don’t depress the handle button to ensure it is locked. Appreciate any ideas you may have on this issue.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Pinkdubai

I replaced the door latch on my 1967 C10 to be able to key lock/unlock the door. Everything works fine unless I lock the door and then depress the door handle button. Depressing the button results in a latch release noise and then the door will not unlock. I took off the door cover and the latch Pawl is frozen in the upright position. I can force it down with a screwdriver, which allows the key to lock or unlock the door assuming I don’t depress the handle button to ensure it is locked. Appreciate any ideas you may have on this issue.

When it does that make sure the key is out of the lock and push in hard on the door so that it latches again. When you push on the button after locking the door you will get a partial release of the latch. That is why it will not unlock. Pushing in hard on the door should reset the latch to the closed position and the lock should then unlock with the key. Be sure and lube everything good while you have it apart. You may break the latch by prying on it.....
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[Pinkdubai]

Thanks for the quick reply. In my situation, the door is still flush with the body after pushing the handle. I can hear a release but the door doesn’t move.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Pinkdubai

Thanks for the quick reply. In my situation, the door is still flush with the body after pushing the handle. I can hear a release but the door doesn’t move.

Push in hard on it anyway, and see what it does.

[Pinkdubai]

Unable to push the door in. Attached are a few pictures showing the Pawl frozen in the upright position as well as the door closed flush to the body.

[LockDoc]

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Only other thing I can think of is that maybe the striker plate needs to be moved out a 1/16 of an inch. If you decide to try that be sure and mark around it with a fine tip marker before moving it.

[Pinkdubai]

Lockdoc, appreciate all of your suggestions. I think the issue may be related to how the door fits the frame. If I close softly, the top half of the door seals and bottom half is ajar. I can use your technique of resetting the door lock in this position. However, if I slam the door to get it to fit, I’m unable to push it in further to reset the lock. Next step is to loosen the hinge bolts and see if I can get a better fit.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Pinkdubai

Lockdoc, appreciate all of your suggestions. I think the issue may be related to how the door fits the frame. If I close softly, the top half of the door seals and bottom half is ajar. I can use your technique of resetting the door lock in this position. However, if I slam the door to get it to fit, I’m unable to push it in further to reset the lock. Next step is to loosen the hinge bolts and see if I can get a better fit.

Yes, that would put a lot of pressure on the latch. I think I would just loosen the top hinge on the door side first and move the door out a little bit. Same procedure as the striker, mark around the hinge first so you can tell how far you have moved it..