FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Door latch issue

    • 1 of 1

       

    5/08/2017 9:09 PM  #1

    HAVEaSigAR
    FYI Addict

    Offline

    Registered: 1/24/2015
    Posts: 193

    Door latch issue

    When I bought the 68, the only door issue was the hinge wouldn't hold the door open. I replaced it, adjusted the door, and everything was fine. I asked the painter to put new strikers on, and ever since you have to yank the door open (or bump it with your shoulder from the inside). I've adjusted the striker and it closes very smoothly. It seems like the latch is getting stuck. The passenger side also has the new striker, but I put it on myself and it works perfectly. On another note, the window is stuck in the down position, and the crank spins with no action. Any advice guys? Thanks in advance

     

    5/08/2017 9:47 PM  #2

    70 Coupe
    FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Nebraska
    Registered: 2/12/2017
    Posts: 295

    Re: Door latch issue

    Seems the latch may need to be replaced or adjust the rods.
     

    Last edited by 70 Coupe (5/08/2017 9:48 PM)

     

    5/09/2017 7:32 AM  #3

    TremendousWand
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    Registered: 5/16/2013
    Posts: 657

    Re: Door latch issue

    Mustang doors and body panels are notoriously out of alignment.  Mainly due to the unibody frame.  I've seen a couple of restoration shows and they have to do a ton of custom modifications to get show car type body lines.  Might want to check that your body is true as possible.  Do you have a subframe connector or monte carlo bar?  You'd be wasting time if you're not starting from a true frame.  Good luck.

     

    5/09/2017 9:34 AM  #4

    HAVEaSigAR
    FYI Addict

    Offline

    Registered: 1/24/2015
    Posts: 193

    Re: Door latch issue

    When I bought the car, door opened and closed perfectly. When I changed the hinge, it was still good.  The problem started when the painter changed out the striker plate. 

       •Thread Starter
     

    5/09/2017 7:50 PM  #5

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,352

    Re: Door latch issue

    Try lubricating the latch first.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    5/09/2017 9:24 PM  #6

    HAVEaSigAR
    FYI Addict

    Offline

    Registered: 1/24/2015
    Posts: 193

    Re: Door latch issue

    Well I couldn't take the latch out because the window is stuck down, and I don't know how to get that fixed either, but I sprayed some PB on the outside and as best I could on the inside, and that seemed to help some. I could deal with it the way that it is, but I feel like adjusting the rod would make it almost perfect. The latch doesn't seem to disengage unless the handle is pulled all the way up. Can anyone tell me how to adjust the rods? And if it's necessary, how to get the window up?

       •Thread Starter
     

    5/09/2017 9:33 PM  #7

    boomyal
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Vancouver, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,295

    Re: Door latch issue

    Both the left and right door latch assemblies on my '65 were so gummed up with 50+ year old lubricant, they were paralyzed. The driver's door was so bad it just bounced back off the post when trying to close it.  I took them out, cleaned them then re-lubricated them and they worked like a dream.


     

    Last edited by boomyal (5/10/2017 11:35 AM)

     

    5/11/2017 9:20 PM  #8

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Offline

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,902

    Re: Door latch issue

    I despise working inside the door!!!!
    Remove the panel and then TAPE all the edges of the acess holes in the  door.
    IF you pull the cotterpins that hold the window ROLLERS out the window should be able to move up and down.
    Try that.
    6s6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    5/12/2017 3:11 PM  #9

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,734

    Re: Door latch issue

    I had similar problems as you, like boomyal, I took mine apart and cleaned them, and they worked like new again.
    I do not believe there is any adjustments on these rods.
    I did the same cleaning on the window mechanism with the same good results however, if your window crank turns and nothing happens, sounds to me like the gear mechanism will need to be replaced.  I do not think it is likely that the crank is spinning on it's spline, but I guess it could happen.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  Door latch issue

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.