door won't close
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
door won't close
1972 coupe. tried to shut the door after a ride and it just kinda bounces back. when you push the door handle down, it just goes straigt to the bottem and springs right back up. doesnt feel like it moving anything. did a search but came up with nothing. any help would be much appreaciated Don
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Have you checked the latch that is at the end of the door? It sounds like it is close and hitting the striker mounted to the door jam. If this is the case you can release it while operating either the interior or exterior door handles and rotating the latch open with your fingers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Durango, thanks for the help you've helped me with a couple of other issues and you input is very much appreciated. you have banked a few cold one for your help, so if you drive through birmingham alabama, you can withdraw them from your account. JC, thanks for the suggestion, havent tried that yet, but will do it now. cold beers for everyone if it works! Don
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Thanks so much for the beer offers...a cold one sounds really good right now.
I don't know when I'll be in that area but I will let you know for sure. Maybe you should come to Columbia for the big event this weekend. We could have all kinds of fun.
I don't know when I'll be in that area but I will let you know for sure. Maybe you should come to Columbia for the big event this weekend. We could have all kinds of fun.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
It may not be that the latch mechanism has failed it may just be really gunked up. I had a similar situation with a 66 and I wound up pulling the door latch mechanism out to clean. I soaked it quite a while and then tool my parts brush and pulled out what I thought was gravel. It was hardened grease mixed with dirt. I would take it apart, clean it thoroughly and then add fresh white lithium grease and then re-install.
Gary
Gary
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo New York
It may not be that the latch mechanism has failed it may just be really gunked up. I had a similar situation with a 66 and I wound up pulling the door latch mechanism out to clean. I soaked it quite a while and then tool my parts brush and pulled out what I thought was gravel. It was hardened grease mixed with dirt. I would take it apart, clean it thoroughly and then add fresh white lithium grease and then re-install.
Gary
Gary
I hate trying to get the door panels off...those stupid mickey mouse clips on the lock and window are a pain in the neck...
Good Luck!!!
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Have you checked the latch that is at the end of the door? It sounds like it is close and hitting the striker mounted to the door jam. If this is the case you can release it while operating either the interior or exterior door handles and rotating the latch open with your fingers.
I have had this happen. My wifes 94 chevy van has the same latch system and does it once in a while. The above post will work. Once you open it spray a little lithium grease on it and wipe it down. Probably never have a problem. Try this before disassembling anything!!! 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
OK, I tried the latch, and its fine and in the correct position. the lug on the body goes into the latch, but the latch doesnt latch on it and when you press the handle it feels like nothing is attached.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Try this. With the door open and the lock set at 'Unlock', push the latch tooth in with the bar of a screw driver as if it were closing on the striker pin. It should click twice if it's working. The half latch and full latch. Then, if it stays all the way in, try the outside door handle first. If it doesn't open it, try the inside handle.
See if the latch actually works and maybe the handle just needs adjustment.
See if the latch actually works and maybe the handle just needs adjustment.
