1976 Driver Door Latch

[lewain]

My driver door has been getting progressively harder to open from the inside. So, I replaced all inner workings of the door except for the rods.
Now everything works fine other than the latch around the striker post. The latch will lock around the post with the first click but not around too the second click. If I slam the door harder it won’t latch at all. I have not changed out the striker post because it appears in good shape.
Any suggestions on what to do at this point?

 

[1969miller]

had an issue with a 76 latch and striker that is similar to your issue. We took the latch out, pressure washed it with hot water and relubricated the moving parts. That made it work like new and the door closes nicely.

 

[Torkman66]

Try loosening the door striker plate and move it further out (away from inside) and tighten. Then see if the door will engage both clicks. That should tell you if its working or not. If it does not latch 2 clicks then you likely have a door latch issue.

 

[lewain]

had an issue with a 76 latch and striker that is similar to your issue. We took the latch out, pressure washed it with hot water and relubricated the moving parts. That made it work like new and the door closes nicely.

I actually have it in some lite oil and soaking it tonight and will probably put it back in.

 

[lewain]

Try loosening the door striker plate and move it further out (away from inside) and tighten. Then see if the door will engage both clicks. That should tell you if its working or not. If it does not latch 2 clicks then you likely have a door latch issue.

I did try to loosen the screws and could not get them loose. I haven’t tried an impact screwdriver yet. I certainly don’t want to ring out the screws.
However, I may have to do something with the striker.

 

[AZ73]

I did try to loosen the screws and could not get them loose. I haven’t tried an impact screwdriver yet. I certainly don’t want to ring out the screws.
However, I may have to do something with the striker.

If I remember correctly I had to use a #4 Philips tip and and a manual impact screwdriver. The kind you hit with a hammer. After soaking the backside (in the wheel well) with PB Blaster

 

[lewain]

If I remember correctly I had to use a #4 Philips tip and and a manual impact screwdriver. The kind you hit with a hammer. After soaking the backside (in the wheel well) with PB Blaster

That is what I will try in the morning. Thanks.