Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Now that it's winter time again (or, as close to winter as we get in SoCal), I busted the 'Burb out of storage and started driving it again. PROBLEM - I can't get the driver door closed all the way. The mechanism grabs and seems to go through both stages of locking, but the door still moves like 1/2 inch in and out. The rattling is driving me insane. Any suggestions on what to check out would be hugely appreciated. Thanks...

-Shawn

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

i had the same problem on my 83 chevy, all i did was get a torx bit for the striker bolt and adjust it further in so the door would seat against the weather stripping when closed. if that doesn't help maybe some striker bolt bushings, i just wrapped black tape around the striker bolt until i got the right socket for the striker as a temp fix.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Maybe your door isn't being shut hard enough? Both my doors are like that, and it annoys me when I tell people to give the doors hell when they get in and out, and the people neglect to understand that. Now I won't take responsibility if you shatter glass and break some hinges shutting it, but perhaps the latching mechanism is somewhat stiff...

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

electrical tape (or duct tape) on the striker. Give that a shot for the ghetto cheap fix. What shape are the hinges in, cause that might be the root of the problem.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

5/8 heater hose around the striker

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

The strikers are available in the HELP section at auto parts stores for just a few dollars. Maybe the plastic bushing droke off of it?

Slonaker

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Yup....striker bolt worn out or out of alignment. If it gets grounded down too much the door won't close right.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

OK, the general consensus seems to be the striker/bushings. I tried wrapping electrical tape around the striker (there is no bushing), but it didn't do the trick. I'll get some new bushings from HELP! products or try the 5/8" hose if I can't find any. If that doesn't do it, I'll try adjusting the striker itself. Thanks for all the help y'all, I'd be screwed without ya. I'll report back with what works out.

Thanks again,
Shawn

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Guys, great thread...I have the same problem.......new question about the striker bolt...if I replace it....it just screws out right? There is no nut on the inside right? Or is there?? :cool: THX!!

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

There's a square hole (if I remember right) in the door jam that allows the adjustment. The striker threads into a flat metal plate "nut". You can reach behind the door jam and feel it. That's how it is on my 85 anyway.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

So that nut is part of the door frame right?........in that I don't need to put a wrench on it to keep it still while I thread on the new striker bolt??;)

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

It will fall into the body if you don't hold it (personal experience here :o ). I replaced mine with a nut, but I was able to fish out the original nut-plate thing with a magnet later on.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

I am not with my truck right now----so, is this nut in plain view or do I need to get behind some trim material or something behind the door jamb???

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

If you reach around behind the striker bolt you will feel the square nut that it tightens up to. As previously stated, it will fall down on the cab floor if you don't keep hold of it. To adjust the striker you only have to loosen it, move it about where you want it then snug it up. Close the door and if it shuts good, then torque it down a little.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Thx!!!!!!!

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Great thread, thanks, I needed to adjust mine also.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

I did say 1972 C10....they don't have striker bolts.

Re: Door Won't Close Securely...
 

Im confused. This is an 18 year old thread, but nowhere did anyone say this was for a 1972.
I would doubt that anyone would ask a question about a 72, when this is a 73-87 Thread.