Hi,
Wondering if any of you have advice on repaired a drivers door on my 65 F-100 that will not close correctly? The passenger door closes real nice without slamming it but my drivers door must be slammed 2 or 3 times before it will latch. I'm not sure if it is the weather strip, latches or what. It is driving me crazy. Any help you can give me will be appreciated. Thanks very much.

 

Welsome!!
First suggest try applying grease to latch and lock mechanism. If it does not solve problem, then with any luck door may be slightly out of adjustment. If the door is aligned, or centered in the opening, then may be matter of adjusting lock mechanism. Suggest try to determine whether hitting too high or low by observing as door is closed, and or, by inspecting lock mechanism for worn spots. There are 3 bolts securing lock to door jamb. Suggest mark current position as a reference point then loosen only enough to allow lock mechanism to move with some pressure. Make slight adjustment, secure and see if solved problem. If not, start at reference and try again. By securing top bolt and loosenig bottom 2 the lock mechanism can be shifting in or out, and vise versa by loosening top and securing bottom. Sounds like only need to shift latch ever so slightly. If the door is not aligned, there are cover plates on door near hinge, suggest not loosening unless door is out of alignment and then make sure to mark reference points. Have simular problem with driver side door on 65. It closes securely but when door is open feels door drops slightly. Believe can solve by lowering mechanism down ever so slightly.

dave

 

Hi Dave,
Thanks a lot for the info. I'll be out in the garage tomorrow and try everything you told me. I have in the past lubed the henges and lock, even tried to align the door but just didn't have much luck. The door doesn't drop when I open it but I did notice today when I opened it at work and it closed first time. It was very hot outside and the rubber on the door was soft. Could it be the weather strip? I'll let you know what I find out. Charlie

 

Hi Charlie,
Sorry, did not consider it, but yes imagine the weather strip could prevent door from sealing correctly. If the weather strip is old suggest try using a 'rubber conditioner', to see if the rubber weather strip will soften and provide little give when door is closed. I like to use a product called 'tire care', comes in aerosol can, not a fan of 'amoral'. What ever product decide on, should be able to determine if it will correct the problem with couple applications letting solution soak in. If there is any improvement suggest continue application every few days for week or so and may want to hold off adjusting lock mechanism. Applying rubber conditioner will not harm the weather strip, actually like to apply on occasion to prevent seal from hardeniing.

Good luck,
dave

 

I had the same issue with my passenger door. I had to make some adjustments to the striker plate to get it to "gently" close. Now I can get in and out of my truck without alerting the family that I got out.

 

great post....
my doors both open and close very easily, but the pass door drops just slightly, so I will try that adjustment mentioned in here with the latch.

 

Unfortunately, came across the extra large phillip head screw driver, could not put it off any longer. Found stricker plate had to be moved down slightly, then shifted plate in small increments until door closed with minimal effort. No longer detect slight drop.

dave

 

unfortunately, my shop, truck, and screwdrivers seem to be calling my name..lol after I finish eating, I think I will go and try that myself.

 

I haven't had any change by adjusting the door. It still closes hard and sometimes opens with a pop outword. I'm thinking about cutting very carefull the weather strip and then see if the door is any better. I'll let you know. Charlie

 

The striker plate or the door latch are adjustable. I wouldn't cut the weatherstripping.

 

Sorry, when mentioning 'lock and latch mechanism' was referring to the stricker plate. Would not mess with the hinge bolts unless obvious door is not centered. Sounds like sticker plate needs to be move away from driver or passenger and down slightly. May try loosening, just enough where it can be shifted with little pressure, then close door to establish a starting point. Then tighten and shift in small increments until satisfied. As mentioned, would not start widdling away at weatherstrip unless necessary.

dave