Door won't close

sawdust · 10-10-2009

1972 GT
Had car for three years now. Both doors closed and sealed well.
Just now the Driver's door won't latch closed.

I would like any info on how the latching works.
Pictures and links to anything related will be much appreciated.

tia

Redskinsjbs · 10-10-2009

Does it simply not latch or does it sort of 'bounce back' if you try to toss it shut. My passenger side door does this and I think that it is because the hinges themselves are worn. This make the door hang just a fraction too low for the latch mechanism to be engaged properly, causing the door to 'bounce back' if I try to close it.

HTH,

Jay

GRS72GT · 10-10-2009

My driver's door did something similar from time to time. I looked inside when I had the door panel off once (I don't remember what for...). When you push the button, it raises a lever that locks the latch wheel and lets it turn freely so you can open the door. When you let go of the button (or the interior handle), it should fall back into place and "lock" the latch wheel so that it can't turn backwards. All mine needed was a little lube and things are back to normal. Yours could be stuck or broken/missing...

I'm going to be doing a few things to my car next week (engine and tranny swap

). If I have a little extra time, I'll take a look at it and see if I can come up with a crude diagram if someone doesn't get to it before I do...

Hope that helps

GRS72GT · 10-10-2009

I found a set on eBay that gives a close-up of what I was referring to above. The hook-shaped lever could be stuck in the up position...

sawdust · 10-10-2009

Originally Posted by GRS72GT

When you push the button, it raises a lever that locks the latch wheel and lets it turn freely so you can open the door. When you let go of the button (or the interior handle), it should fall back into place and "lock" the latch wheel so that it can't turn backwards. All mine needed was a little lube and things are back to normal. Yours could be stuck or broken/missing...Hope that helps

I will have to look at that latch wheel again tomorrow. I am thinking that when I checked it, that it was always freewheeling.

I will also look to see if the hinge pins are worn.

sawdust · 10-11-2009

There are two screws that hold the latching mechanism to the door frame and one of the screw holes was wallowed out which let the mechanism shift.

added a washer to temporarily fix this problem.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

10-10-2009	#2 (permalink)
Redskinsjbs Opel Intern Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington DC Posts: 513 Logbook Entries: 1 Real Name: Jay Provided Answers: 3	Does it simply not latch or does it sort of 'bounce back' if you try to toss it shut. My passenger side door does this and I think that it is because the hinges themselves are worn. This make the door hang just a fraction too low for the latch mechanism to be engaged properly, causing the door to 'bounce back' if I try to close it. HTH, Jay __________________ J Swift Sincerely Flickr photos Videos

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