The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors new latches are terrible!

I recently got a new set of latches from Chevy Duty, or whatever their name is now. So, I have to slam the doors pretty good to get them to shut... I expected that with new weatherstrip. But the latches will not disengage. Turn the door handle..... nothing. The only way I can get them open is to use a screwdriver to reach inside the door shell and "walk" the latching arm off of the half round toothed bracket- it will not go down far enough to release it. So, after looking at this for a half hour, I have decided that the piece that slides down to allow the toothed bracked to fall was not machined properly, and it keeps the toothed bracket from falling the final 1/8 inch needed to open the door. I wish I had a picture to explain... Anyways, has anyone had this problem with chevy duty latches lately? (they are made by counterpart)

Yes I have had trouble with my Chevy Duty latches. I'm not kidding you I spent two full days trying to get the latches for 48 to work. The latches would grab on the first latch but I couldn't get the door to pull tight against the weather stripping. If I grabbed onto the door handle I could wiggle the door in and out they door was still loose. I phoned Chevy Duty and told them my problem but they told me they haven't had any other people complaning about the latches and I was the only one. So they said I must be doing something wrong. I throw the new latches back into the box put my old ones back on and the doors closed way better then with the new ones on. There is something wrong with those latches.

I don't know if there are any similarity between your latches and latches for a '54, like mine ... but if they operate the same this will help:
Door Latches and Strikers

Chevy Duty sucks...... they always say that "you" are the only one experiencing problems and to deal with it. Alan, it's definitely the latches- I looked at it for a half hour (out of the truck) and finally figured the problem out. I guess I'll give Chevy Duty a piece of my mind, and if I have to, get my credit card people involved.... Any Chevy Duty PR guys around here? Here's your chance to try to make someone satisfied with your shoddy products.

Aftermarket products are usually very disappointing!

one word-Taiwan,,brian

Well, I talked to Chevy Duty, and to my surprise they actually worked with me. The guy even admitted that someone else had called the same day with the same problems.... So, the latches are going back to Chevy Duty, and then going back to the supplier. So, anyone good at rebuilding original latches?

You might try SMS Auto at www.sms.auto.com or Phone 800-989-6660 they rebuild hood, door hinges and latches. I don't know their prices but a friend of mine swears by em. Not to get off the subject but, has anybody tried those Vent Window assemblies for 67 to 72 C-10's. They are made by Counter Part. As you guessed made off shore. Don't EVEN go there. I couldn't get em to fit right ended up using my old ones.

Where I work we outsource many items to Taiwan. The very best quality in the world is what they deliver, every time, and always on time.

The problem is not with Tiawan, it is with the people here that contract them to make crap. If contracted to make good parts we will receive good parts.

The Chevy Duty latches are suspect at best. However, first, I have posted an article in "TECH TIPS" on how the latches work and provide some ideas that may help. Lubrication is critical, new or old. Second, I know Chevy Duty has heard multiple complaints as I lodged one with them and know that several others have, too. Third, when I contacted Chevy Duty, they were great and replaced the latches even though I bought the originals a year earlier. The new ones worked better but still had "issues". Bottom line - go with originals if you can.

the door is saging so you need to adjust the doors/hinges

Alan;
I read your info on adjusting door latches. do the same methods apply to Bluechips? My '57 GMC's had malfunctioning doors for quite a while,and the passenger side often requires 2 or 3 tries before it latches tight. I've tried adjusting them several times but can't seem to find the sweet spot where they latch tightly but don't rattle.
Speed

Hey, Speed

I'm not familiar with BlueChips but if they look the same and adjust the same, then I don't see why not.