The Ford Barn

J Witt · 08-02-2015, 01:14 PM

I have a new repop latch to install on the driver's door. The previous latch, which is quite worn, had the surrounding sheet metal of the latch ground away to allow the tip of the striker (also somewhat ground) to clear the opening and engage the sliding latch bar.

Is it appropriate to do the same grinding on the new latch to get it to fit?

How much if any grinding and shaping can or should be done to the striker?

Thanks all,

John

Patrick L. · 08-02-2015, 01:44 PM

Can't tell about the re-pro's. But, I've filed quite a bit on originals.
Then you have to be careful, they like to grab on to your clothes and not let go until something breaks, usually a shirt or dress.

MAG · 08-02-2015, 03:13 PM

Do a search of this post.
"US-made roadster lock disappoints"
If you still have the original door latch assembly you will be much better off to rebuild it rather than use the repop latch.
If you dont have it, it would be best to dis-assemble the repop and reshape the angle of the latch "tongue". The angle is wrong (too steep)and makes closing the door more difficult. With a properly restored original latch and striker the door should close and latch with only slight pressure. Definitely not slamming it.

J Witt · 08-04-2015, 01:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I mounted the new latch and did some careful measurements then end milled .090 off the forward vertical inside edge. A little file clean up and a minor adjustment of the striker and the door is now closing acceptable well.

The door requires a "little" slam to latch it, but I expect that will get a bit better as it is used. The really obnoxious rattle from the old latch is now gone and the door takes less effort to shut than before.

I've no idea if the old latch was original as this car is built of pieces.

Thanks for the comments,

John

08-02-2015, 01:14 PM	#1
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Adjusting the latches/strikers - 31 roadster I have a new repop latch to install on the driver's door. The previous latch, which is quite worn, had the surrounding sheet metal of the latch ground away to allow the tip of the striker (also somewhat ground) to clear the opening and engage the sliding latch bar. Is it appropriate to do the same grinding on the new latch to get it to fit? How much if any grinding and shaping can or should be done to the striker? Thanks all, John __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.

08-02-2015, 01:44 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Adjusting the latches/strikers - 31 roadster Can't tell about the re-pro's. But, I've filed quite a bit on originals. Then you have to be careful, they like to grab on to your clothes and not let go until something breaks, usually a shirt or dress.

08-02-2015, 03:13 PM	#3
MAG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 926	Re: Adjusting the latches/strikers - 31 roadster Do a search of this post. "US-made roadster lock disappoints" If you still have the original door latch assembly you will be much better off to rebuild it rather than use the repop latch. If you dont have it, it would be best to dis-assemble the repop and reshape the angle of the latch "tongue". The angle is wrong (too steep)and makes closing the door more difficult. With a properly restored original latch and striker the door should close and latch with only slight pressure. Definitely not slamming it. __________________ I noticed the harder I work the luckier I get!

08-04-2015, 01:10 PM	#4
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: Adjusting the latches/strikers - 31 roadster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I mounted the new latch and did some careful measurements then end milled .090 off the forward vertical inside edge. A little file clean up and a minor adjustment of the striker and the door is now closing acceptable well. The door requires a "little" slam to latch it, but I expect that will get a bit better as it is used. The really obnoxious rattle from the old latch is now gone and the door takes less effort to shut than before. I've no idea if the old latch was original as this car is built of pieces. Thanks for the comments, John __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.