Door won't close

[91Bear]

The top prong on the door latch appears to be stuck. How to I get it to release to keep it from bumping into the striker and keeping the door from closing?

[91Bear]

Someone really needs to make a tutorial on how to rebuild/replace a door latch. I guess that means it should be me.

[fordman]

try this. oil it up. then push in on the outer button to release the latch. and stick a screwdriver in there and pop the top part of the latch out. if it doesnt stay it may be aspring inside of the latch that is bad. i am unsure. becuase i dont have one in front of me to look at.

[fireguywtc]

I would pretty much advise to do what Fordman said except you should try it without oil first. Just open the door and push the outside button (unlocked of course) and you should be able to push the top latch back up. If you don't push the outside door button it shouldn't move. I have had this happen to my 67 many times. I go to shut the door and it makes a big BANG, and stays open.

[fordman]

i looked at a latch today. yes there is a sprign in there that hold the lever part of the latch up. if it breaks you need another latch for the door.

[sargentrs]

Had a similar issue on a Fox Mustang but it turned out to be the striker, not the latch. Somehow it had slipped upwards and the latch was hitting just enough off center to keep it from tripping. Loosened up the striker and dropped it about 1/16" and it worked fine. Worn door hinges could have contributed to the issue.

[fordman]

thats a good thought itf the spring isnt broekn or it isnt just stuck from dirt.

[fordman]

here is the lower column bearing retainer