Door doesn't latch tight
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Door doesn't latch tight
I have a 78 F250 and when I close the passenger door it latches, but rattles badly while I drive. I have attempted to move the striker location in, toward the seat but to no avail. I also have wrapped the striker with electrical tape to increase the diameter for a temporary fix but would like to fix it correctly.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Any ideas? Thanks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 4
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
I had the same issue on my truck. First check you hinge pins. If they're worn the door will sag and wear out the striker post bushing quickly. Replace the hinge pins if they have any play in them and keep them lubricated.
As for the striker post bushing, I found that tape doesn't last at all. I used a little tape to build up the post diameter and then covered it with a smll piece of white PVC pipe (1/2 inch plumbing stuff). Simply cut of a short piece of pipe to fit the striker post, maybe 3/4 of inch. Then cut a slot in the piece so that you can pry open to fit over the post and tape. The trick is to use a heat gun and get the PVC to get it nice and plyable, it goes right on then cools down and maintains it shape very well. I did this six months ago and it is still holding. No more rattles.
I couldn't find the striker post bushings anywhere. If some one knows where you can get them , pls speak up.
Frank
As for the striker post bushing, I found that tape doesn't last at all. I used a little tape to build up the post diameter and then covered it with a smll piece of white PVC pipe (1/2 inch plumbing stuff). Simply cut of a short piece of pipe to fit the striker post, maybe 3/4 of inch. Then cut a slot in the piece so that you can pry open to fit over the post and tape. The trick is to use a heat gun and get the PVC to get it nice and plyable, it goes right on then cools down and maintains it shape very well. I did this six months ago and it is still holding. No more rattles.
I couldn't find the striker post bushings anywhere. If some one knows where you can get them , pls speak up.
Frank
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Freshman User
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They seem tight. When the door is closed it is flush with the outside of the truck, but if you let go the door, striker side, comes out about 1/4-5/16" from flush while latched. I am pretty sure it is not the hinges. There is no vertical play in the door when opened or closed.
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Freshman User
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I purchased the striker post bushings from Jeffs Bronco Graveyard, but they are not cut to slide over the striker. They are the HELP! brand, 4 in a pkg for a few bucks.
Hadn't considered cutting and opening to put over them. I'll give it a shot....Thanks!
Hadn't considered cutting and opening to put over them. I'll give it a shot....Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 4
From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
with the door open, do you have any up and down play? grab the bottom of the door furthest from the hinge and lift, there should be no play, if you feel it loose up and down, you need hinge pins and hinge pin bushings.
I never saw striker post bushings in the HELP section, I'll take a look , thanx
I never saw striker post bushings in the HELP section, I'll take a look , thanx
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
easy fix. its your weather stripping the weather stripping acts like a wedge to keep the door snug. check one of the sponsers.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 2
From: okc
gashog beat me to it!!! that was the fix on the passenger door of my 76 F-150, now to finish the driver side!!!
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