The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Door won't open from inside '59

I used to be able to open the door from both the inside of the truck and the outside. Now I can only get out by rolling down the window and opening from the outside. I took the access panel off today, but got frustrated trying to figure out the mechanism. Any ideas?

Also, I had adjusted the door and cut away some of the old weatherstripping and it was closing just fine. Now it takes a lot of force again to close the door and the front of the door is rubbing slightly on the fender. There isn't any room to adjust towards the rear and the latch assembly is starting to rub on the door jam (the space between the outside and inside on the door frame).

I am going to fiddle with it tomorrow, but if there are any tips or tricks, I would appreciate it.

check your cab mounts well, the cab may be settling slightly to cause the misfit ... the hinge pins might also be worn enough to let the door sag a bit

Bill

Well I answered my own question. The latch had gotten out of whack. Probably due to the fact I had to forcefully close to the door due to the misalignment. You can see in the picture what the latch mechanism is supposed to look like. I drew in arrows where the parts where when I took them out of the door. It should be OK for now, but I am going to order a new latch set. Also realigned the door and striker plate. It closes much better now and does not rub on the fender.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22133917@N06/2394933794/sizes/o/

Yup, I had the same issue with a brand new latch and striker, after removing it for like 10th time I noticed the latch frame was not square or lets say a perfect L shape, after a little massagin ..it now opens from the inside without any issues.
Tim