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6/17/20:I decided that having doors that latch properly has made it to the top of my priority list and is the number one safety issue on my truck. I have ordered new hinge rebuild kits but in the meantime decided to attempt to fix the floppy latch. The latch is behind the window track and I previously thought the window would need to be removed to gain access but discovered that the latch could be removed by removing the bottom screw that retains the window track. This enabled me to move the track enough to get the latch out.

The original reason for removing the latch was to tighten the cover over the latch which is held on by tabs that are swedged over on the backside. I reasoned it could be tightened by re-swedging the tabs, but that was not the case. I bucked the cover but could not get it tight enough without distorting the latch cover. I decided that tack welding from the back side with my MIG welder would be a better solution. The first issue I encountered was my auto darkening welding helmet did not darken, so I flashed myself. I had this issue before and changing batteries did not solve the issue. I noticed previously the the circuit board had a bit of corrosion and sprayed it with contact cleaner which eventually did the trick. I’m not messing with it again so a new helmet is in order. I did the old look, align the gun, close your eyes, pull the trigger and listen method of tack welding. Not pretty but effective. I ground down the tacks and this tightened the cover nicely.

I found that the latch was still sloppy. The latch and or pin was worn. The pin is riveted from the outside of the latch cover and is easily driven out with a drift. As I suspected, the pin was worn where it passes thru the casing. The casing is also slightly egg shaped so I am going to turn a new pin, and fit it to the worn case.

Removing this pin, also enabled me to remove the latch, so I can now weld and grind out the worn spots.

I’ll continue on the next post.