54 Door Latch Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
I haven't removed anything yet. The star on the end of the door can be turned in either direction by hand. When you close the door it catches and then releases slightly. I know you do excellent work on 53-55's, can I get a replacement?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 101
From: Pendleton IN
New ones can be found easily enough.
* If the star turns freely with the door opened, the door opener rod position should be looked at.
* The star should not move freely unless the door opener ball is pulled backward. There is a spring in the mechanism but I've never seen one break.
* The door opener "pull" position can be adjusted where it mounts to the door shell. The upper door panel piece must be removed to access the screws. The door spear must be removed to get the panel removed.
* Try pushing the door opener ball forward with one hand and try moving the star wheel with the other hand. The star wheel should not move freely. It should "click" as you turn it.
* If the star turns freely with the door opened, the door opener rod position should be looked at.
* The star should not move freely unless the door opener ball is pulled backward. There is a spring in the mechanism but I've never seen one break.
* The door opener "pull" position can be adjusted where it mounts to the door shell. The upper door panel piece must be removed to access the screws. The door spear must be removed to get the panel removed.
* Try pushing the door opener ball forward with one hand and try moving the star wheel with the other hand. The star wheel should not move freely. It should "click" as you turn it.
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
I know this thread is over 13 years old, but I now have a similar problem. The driver side door latch is loose so the door latches then can be pushed out a couple of inches while I am in the car. There are two large Phillips head screws that turn but don't catch. Any advice on how to tighten the latch? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,514
Likes: 1,955
From: Plano IL
2026 Corvette of the Year Winner - Unmodified
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Did you adjust the latch ?
Many times the issue is the catch in the door
I have repaired many
Many times the issue is the catch in the door
I have repaired many
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
When I compare the driver side to the passenger side, the only difference is that the part mounted on the jamb moves around because it is loose. I tried tightening the screws but they just spin. I don't know what they thread into and it looks like quite a chore to access whatever is inside the jamb.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,514
Likes: 1,955
From: Plano IL
2026 Corvette of the Year Winner - Unmodified
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Well your in for a job
Sounds like the nut plate either broke or stripped or rusted or?
Can you remove the screws?
If so
I would remove one at a time and replace with long fine thread rod
The nut plates are in the jam - only way to can get to them is thru the gas tank area
Have to remove the tank and have to have some long arms
Chris
TiN Restorations
Sounds like the nut plate either broke or stripped or rusted or?
Can you remove the screws?
If so
I would remove one at a time and replace with long fine thread rod
The nut plates are in the jam - only way to can get to them is thru the gas tank area
Have to remove the tank and have to have some long arms
Chris
TiN Restorations
