Problem with door latch on 1956 T-bird

zuburg

zuburg

Senior Member
Having a problem with passenger side door latch. Door closes but bounces out and does not latch tight (flush). You can't pull on the door to open it when it is half closed like this, but must push the button to open the door.

If I hold the door handle button, the star wheel on the end of the door will turn freely in both directions. If I release my the button, it won't turn counter-clockwise (towards the inside of the door), but it turns clockwise about 1/4 to 1/2 inch before it stops. If I turn it a little harder, then it will turn clockwise one click at a time.

Does this mean the latch mechanism needs replacing? Or maybe some adjustment to the latch might fix it?
 
Proper adjustment of the door striker plate is key in the attempt to keeping these doors closed.
When the door handle button is released, the star wheel should be locked stationary (it should not be able to turn.)
Seems like I had a similar problem with a passenger door mechanism on a '55 years ago. I removed the mechanism from inside the door and discovered that the backside of the starwheel had worked loose from the middle of its actuator. I refitted the two pieces together and mig welded them. Problem was solved.
 
Before I took the door panel off to check out the latch, I thought I would fiddle with the striker plate. I just loosened the three screws to see how it might adjust. I moved it up as far as it would go and tightened the screws, and Voila!, Problem fixed. I'm sure glad I didn't take the door panel off.
 
Glad you got it. On my 55, I periodically have to move the striker plate out. No matter how tight I try to get it, it drifts in from the door being closed until you have to slam it. Moving it out 1/8" or so solves the problem until next time.
 
Hmm, for all I know, I moved it out when I moved it up. I'll remember that for the next time. It makes more sense that it would need to be moved out.
 
Part of the problem is due to wear on the striker plate. They are diecast and the star wheel is steel. There are repros available from major suppliers.
 
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