Help with 59 door alignment to latch

[Jill J.]

I'm trying to align my passenger side door with the latch but it keeps hitting the teeth on the latch. I have the shim installed behind it along with the anti-skid plate. Ive even tried adding 1-2 washers just to test whether I might need another shim or two behind it. And it still hits. I've also tried adjusting the door forward and backward along with pulling out the catch mechanism from the door and cleaning out the dum-dum behind it to make sure it's projected all they way out. But no luck with anything.

Does anyone have any suggestions on getting it to align correctly without hitting?

I've attached some pictures from my drivers door to show the area where it's hitting for reference. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

Jill, 59140

[Bob M.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Have you tried to raise the door at the hinges? You don't need much, raise it a little at a time till it starts to work correctly. The hinges will raise up, that would be my next suggestion. Have you tried to lower the lock plate a little, but that would mess up the paint.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Jill, Could you post a photo of the door gap with the striker removed and the door closed. I would like to see how the door lines up with the 1/4 panel without the latching mechanisms in place.

[Edward J.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Jill is the body installed on frame yet??

[Dan B.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

If your door aligns well in the body and has good gaps, (WITH THE LATCH REMOVED) then the latch can be adjusted to fit. As was mentioned by Joe, a picture will help see what is needed.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Jill,

I had a heck of a time getting the pass side latch on my 58 to align properly also.

Remove the striker and verify the door closes without issue and the gaps look good. You can tweak the vertical gap if needed by adjusting the shims below the door and at the rear cross member.

If you hold the door handle release in with your thumb you should be able to "feel" the engagement a little better to get a better idea as to how the striker needs to move..

Tilting the striker forward will lower the first tooth also.

I probably spent three or four hours on the pass side - the drivers side was a two minute job.

Good luck!

Tom

[Jill J.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Thanks to everyone for their comments / suggestions. I think I may have figured out the issue here...

The thickness of the latching mechanism attached to the door between the original and the repop seems to be the issue. The repop is much thicker than the original as shown in the photos that I've attached. This was discovered tonight after attempting your suggestions on repositioning the door to help with alignment (which the body is currently not on the frame but a very stable rotisserie). I've also attached pictures without the stationary "teeth" (on the receiving end) in place so you get a better idea of how the door is aligned (which I think is fairly even on each of the 3 sides (front, rear, and bottom)) based on the door gaps.

I will probably use the original latches on the driver and passenger sides and bead-blast them so they're cleaned up before installing back in my doors.

However, if you see anything I may have missed, please let me know. I appreciate all of your help.

Thanks again!

Jill, 59140

[Thomas H.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Jill,

I can't tell you how many reproduction parts cost me time and frustration when doing my 58. Well, yes I can tell you - ALL OF THEM! But seriously, I ran into a lot of issues using reproduction parts. It's amazing how well original parts fit when you go back to using them.

I spent the better part of two weekends trying to get the front bumpers and grill teeth aligned properly on my 58. I finally put the original rusty grill bar in and everything aligned perfectly. Come to find that comparing the two grill bars that the repop had the taper incorrect at the ends by almost 1/4" which was throwing everything off. I threw that one out and had the original re-chromed and everything feel into place.

At least you found something. Cleaning up the originals is a good idea and they will probably work much better......... If they are really worn I'm sure you can locate some originals poking around the web.

Have fun!

Tom

[Jill J.]

Re: Help with 59 door alignment to latch

Jill,

I can't tell you how many reproduction parts cost me time and frustration when doing my 58. Well, yes I can tell you - ALL OF THEM! But seriously, I ran into a lot of issues using reproduction parts. It's amazing how well original parts fit when you go back to using them.

I spent the better part of two weekends trying to get the front bumpers and grill teeth aligned properly on my 58. I finally put the original rusty grill bar in and everything aligned perfectly. Come to find that comparing the two grill bars that the repop had the taper incorrect at the ends by almost 1/4" which was throwing everything off. I threw that one out and had the original re-chromed and everything feel into place.

At least you found something. Cleaning up the originals is a good idea and they will probably work much better......... If they are really worn I'm sure you can locate some originals poking around the web.

Have fun!

Tom

Hi Tom.

I agree with you on the repop parts not fitting quite like they should. I have already bead blasted the original latches and they are really in good shape. The reason I originally ordered the repops is I'm trying to make sure most mechanical items, among other things, are new and "fresh.." For the door handles, we had to drill the holes out a little wider so they'd be at the correct angle.

In any event, the way I look at it is, I've been working on this project for a little over 5 years now and what's a little more time if it needs it. Heck, I've come this far and there's no need to rush finishing it up (although sometimes it's difficult to keep that mindset in perspective lol). It can be frustrating at times but I just keep chugging along and I know I'll finish one day (hopefully soon) and be really happy I chose to take my time in the long run.

This has been such a fun project for me!

Jill, 59140