Door latch problem

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Jan 5, 2014 | 10:42 AM

mechanic58

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Tuned

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Clover, SC

Door latch problem

I have a '62 F100 that I recently picked up - both doors worked fine up until yesterday. I took a short drive in it, got out and closed the driver's door - then when I went to get back in it the door would not open. It is not locked and all the mechanisms seem to be attached and working - it just will not open. Any suggestions?

Jan 5, 2014 | 11:06 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Place your hand on the outside handle, use it to push the door in as far as it will go, now push the button and PULL!

The 3 screws that retain the striker plate to the 'B' pillar have loosened, allowing the striker to move around. The wheel on the door latch gets trapped on the striker, won't release.

Jan 5, 2014 | 11:14 AM

mechanic58

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Tuned

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 284

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From: Clover, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumberDummy

Trust me - I've pulled the F*%&K out of it, it's not going to open. I suspected something like you have described here. I reckon I'll get it opened eventually. Thanks for your input.

Jan 5, 2014 | 11:25 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechanic58

Trust me - I've pulled the F*%&K out of it, it's not going to open. I suspected something like you have described here. I reckon I'll get it opened eventually. Thanks for your input.

But first, you have to push the door in...as far as it will go, before pushing the button.

Jan 5, 2014 | 12:21 PM

mechanic58

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Clover, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumberDummy

But first, you have to push the door in...as far as it will go, before pushing the button.

That didn't work either. I did finally get it opened just now though. Turns out that little spring-loaded plastic buffer at the top of the striker plate had broken into several pieces and they were wedged down at the bottom in the 'gear teeth' of the striker. It wouldn't let the door latch pinion 'roll over' the teeth on the striker. They were working like chocks. I was able to move the door back and forth about a quarter of an inch so I just kept doing that (rather violently) until it finally opened. I eventually pulverized those broken plastic parts...lol.

Thanks for your help though - you did at least give me faith that I could get it opened without having to take the door apart from the inside.