My driver's door won't stay latched!

[timinator]

My door on my '68 Charger just seemed to quit working right. I try to close it and it bounces back out about 1/4". It's latched at that point and won't go out any further but when I push it in, it just comes back out. I've tried moving the striker plate around to different positions for almost 2 hours with no luck. It's latched correctly twice but when I try it again, it's back to hanging out. I've checked the rotor wheel too and it seems to be functioning properly. Is it simply a matter of trial and error? It's really ticking me off. I have blisters now from the screwdriver! It was working great, then nothing. Any suggestions?

[Ghoste]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but, there isn't any kind of road goo or anything around the perimeter of the door that isn't allowing it to close all the way?

[resq302]

Tim,

I had a similar problem with my charger with the driver's side door.  I finally got it adjusted so that with the window down, the door will close no problem but if the window is up all the way, the door if you dont close it a certain way, will bounce back open to the one latch.  It is almost like the window (which is adjusted properly to seal out the elements) is bowed in too much and acts like a spring causing the door latch to not fully catch the second click and allowing to bounce back a bit to the first catch.

[timinator]

There isn't anything holding the door open like a seatbelt, road goo, etc.  I'm wondering if the mechanism inside the door is defective since it was working great, then suddenly stopped. Does anyone still make these door parts or rebuild them?

[resq302]

Not that I have seen yet.  Only thing is to try and lubricate your old one or get a good used.

[jaak]

Just weld the doors shut and climb through the windows!!!!!

No, lol. I adjusted my door and striker, took me about 3 hours, I didn't mark the hinges or anything when dis-assembling, I had mine close, but would hang on striker, when I moved stiker down door would shut good, but would be out of alignment at top. after hours of messing with the striker, i realized that if you are looking at it straight, it has to be cocked a little lower toward the outside/ and higher toward the interior. Just loosed the 3 screw and tap a little to move, tighten, test door, repeat. It's basically trial and error, but you'll get it. The main thing I found like I said, its gotta be cocked, not perfectly square on my car.

I hope this helps some,
Jason

[mopar_madman]

Is the latch stuck in the closed position? look for any small burrs or fresh scratches in the metal (where it might be catching? Pull the door panel off and make sure nothing is hindering any of the rods and check the door handle button to make sure its moving in and out. lubricate all these points while your at it. Is the striker tight and not moving? partially stripped threads? could just be catching enough but not tight. saging hinges? loose bolts at the hinges? when you get it to close how is the door alignment? Everything works together. Just throwing out ideas.

[jordyjim]

i have had this problem,door would close with the windo open but not  closed            was pushing the top rubber and springingi back, adjusted the window slider..fixed. also slightly loosen the door catches then close gently it sometimes lines it all up..i said sometimes?..jim

[Silver R/T]

ive got same problem with passenger door