68 Door Latches

[Michael M.]

My 68 convertible is at the body shop. Body man showed me how the door moves in and out a little even after the door closes and latches. He's telling me I need new a new left side door latch. The striker is pretty worn too and needs to be replaced.

I figure no big deal, I'll just order them. It appears that the 68 latches are one year only for 68, now I have a problem. Only 68 latches I see for sale are used (not surprisingly), so I hate to spend the money and then I have the same issue.

The door locks and unlocks perfectly, it's just got some movement and doesn't stay tight after it's closed.

Three questions:

1) Does anyone know if a 69 latch assembly will work on a 68 door?
2) Will a new door striker (without replacing the latch) improve the in and out movement after the door closes?
3) Will new weatherstripping (which will be on the car after it's painted) improve the in and out movement after the door closes (without replacing the latch?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 Door Latches

Mike, I would not buy anything until you put the weatherstrip on the doors, and as far as the stricker goes try useing the other side to see if it helps.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 Door Latches

Thanks for the advice. I am probably replacing the strikers anyway, so that should help. The right side stays tight, the left is worn obviously due to more use of the drivers door than the passenger side. In a lot of ways I prefer to replace things when I can, since our cars aren't getting any younger. If a new striker and weatherstripping hide the problem for x number of years, then when I really need it, I may not be able to source it at all. I was really hoping someone could tell me that the 69 door latches will functionally work on a 68, but I am thinking not. Too bad because I prefer to use new parts when available.

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 Door Latches

Without looking at my service manual, I believe the striker bolt can be adjusted positioning it farther back from the door opening.

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 Door Latches

Yes, Jim, I may be able to do that, but then the door edge would not align with outside of the car. I've sourced a new for me (used) door latch. I think I'll be fine. Thanks.