Door Won't Close Securely... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DirtyBurb86 · 12-03-2005, 09:54 AM

Now that it's winter time again (or, as close to winter as we get in SoCal), I busted the 'Burb out of storage and started driving it again. PROBLEM - I can't get the driver door closed all the way. The mechanism grabs and seems to go through both stages of locking, but the door still moves like 1/2 inch in and out. The rattling is driving me insane. Any suggestions on what to check out would be hugely appreciated. Thanks...

-Shawn

koreric75 · 12-03-2005, 10:50 AM

i had the same problem on my 83 chevy, all i did was get a torx bit for the striker bolt and adjust it further in so the door would seat against the weather stripping when closed. if that doesn't help maybe some striker bolt bushings, i just wrapped black tape around the striker bolt until i got the right socket for the striker as a temp fix.

SlapFish · 12-03-2005, 12:23 PM

Maybe your door isn't being shut hard enough? Both my doors are like that, and it annoys me when I tell people to give the doors hell when they get in and out, and the people neglect to understand that. Now I won't take responsibility if you shatter glass and break some hinges shutting it, but perhaps the latching mechanism is somewhat stiff...

cliffsta · 12-03-2005, 03:09 PM

electrical tape (or duct tape) on the striker. Give that a shot for the ghetto cheap fix. What shape are the hinges in, cause that might be the root of the problem.

ureckme · 12-03-2005, 04:23 PM

5/8 heater hose around the striker

Slonaker · 12-03-2005, 07:20 PM

The strikers are available in the HELP section at auto parts stores for just a few dollars. Maybe the plastic bushing droke off of it?

Slonaker

TrainD5115 · 12-03-2005, 07:26 PM

Yup....striker bolt worn out or out of alignment. If it gets grounded down too much the door won't close right.

DirtyBurb86 · 12-06-2005, 04:28 AM

OK, the general consensus seems to be the striker/bushings. I tried wrapping electrical tape around the striker (there is no bushing), but it didn't do the trick. I'll get some new bushings from HELP! products or try the 5/8" hose if I can't find any. If that doesn't do it, I'll try adjusting the striker itself. Thanks for all the help y'all, I'd be screwed without ya. I'll report back with what works out.

Thanks again,
Shawn

woody96 · 12-06-2005, 10:35 AM

Guys, great thread...I have the same problem.......new question about the striker bolt...if I replace it....it just screws out right? There is no nut on the inside right? Or is there??

THX!!

swb85 · 12-06-2005, 10:38 AM

There's a square hole (if I remember right) in the door jam that allows the adjustment. The striker threads into a flat metal plate "nut". You can reach behind the door jam and feel it. That's how it is on my 85 anyway.

woody96 · 12-06-2005, 10:43 AM

So that nut is part of the door frame right?........in that I don't need to put a wrench on it to keep it still while I thread on the new striker bolt??

Bad Karma · 12-06-2005, 10:49 AM

It will fall into the body if you don't hold it (personal experience here

). I replaced mine with a nut, but I was able to fish out the original nut-plate thing with a magnet later on.

woody96 · 12-06-2005, 10:58 AM

I am not with my truck right now----so, is this nut in plain view or do I need to get behind some trim material or something behind the door jamb???

TrainD5115 · 12-06-2005, 11:30 AM

If you reach around behind the striker bolt you will feel the square nut that it tightens up to. As previously stated, it will fall down on the cab floor if you don't keep hold of it. To adjust the striker you only have to loosen it, move it about where you want it then snug it up. Close the door and if it shuts good, then torque it down a little.

woody96 · 12-06-2005, 11:44 AM

Thx!!!!!!!

Eyegore · 12-06-2005, 12:41 PM

Great thread, thanks, I needed to adjust mine also.

**Whamp48** · 07-04-2023, 11:18 PM

I did say 1972 C10....they don't have striker bolts.

**TKCR** · 07-05-2023, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whamp48

I did say 1972 C10....they don't have striker bolts.

Im confused. This is an 18 year old thread, but nowhere did anyone say this was for a 1972.
I would doubt that anyone would ask a question about a 72, when this is a 73-87 Thread.

12-03-2005, 09:54 AM	#1
DirtyBurb86 Narcissistic Prick Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: So Cal Posts: 87	Door Won't Close Securely... Now that it's winter time again (or, as close to winter as we get in SoCal), I busted the 'Burb out of storage and started driving it again. PROBLEM - I can't get the driver door closed all the way. The mechanism grabs and seems to go through both stages of locking, but the door still moves like 1/2 inch in and out. The rattling is driving me insane. Any suggestions on what to check out would be hugely appreciated. Thanks... -Shawn __________________ '86 GMC Suburban K2500, 3/4, 4x4, 350/400, 4" susp lift, 35" BFG M/Ts '96 Oldsmobile Aurora, Pure Luxury!!! '03 Mazda6 Sport, V6, 240hp Dead Stock

12-03-2005, 10:50 AM	#2
koreric75 83C10SWB Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bossier City, Louisiana Posts: 69	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... i had the same problem on my 83 chevy, all i did was get a torx bit for the striker bolt and adjust it further in so the door would seat against the weather stripping when closed. if that doesn't help maybe some striker bolt bushings, i just wrapped black tape around the striker bolt until i got the right socket for the striker as a temp fix. __________________ Koreric75 2003 Suburban Z-71 4x4 5.3L 83 C10 SWB FOR SALE 350ci/700Raptor Jr Picture&Progress Page

12-03-2005, 12:23 PM	#3
SlapFish Real Men Wear Orange Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 89	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... Maybe your door isn't being shut hard enough? Both my doors are like that, and it annoys me when I tell people to give the doors hell when they get in and out, and the people neglect to understand that. Now I won't take responsibility if you shatter glass and break some hinges shutting it, but perhaps the latching mechanism is somewhat stiff...

12-03-2005, 03:09 PM	#4
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... electrical tape (or duct tape) on the striker. Give that a shot for the ghetto cheap fix. What shape are the hinges in, cause that might be the root of the problem. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

12-03-2005, 04:23 PM	#5
ureckme ureckmefixit2@cox.net Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mesa AZ. (Phoenix) Posts: 1,284	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... 5/8 heater hose around the striker __________________ That's U RECK ME FIX it 2 74 Chevy Short Bed 355ci Sportsman II 64cc Angle Plug Crower Custom Grind .462in .486ex Dyno Test 422hp @ 5600 And it's got a Holley 3.73 Gears 12 Bolt 3.73 w/Posi 700R4 Going In I'm a Body Man So There! That's why it's not painted

12-03-2005, 07:20 PM	#6
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... The strikers are available in the HELP section at auto parts stores for just a few dollars. Maybe the plastic bushing droke off of it? Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

12-03-2005, 07:26 PM	#7
TrainD5115 North Coast, baby! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 437	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... Yup....striker bolt worn out or out of alignment. If it gets grounded down too much the door won't close right. __________________ Brad 79 Scottsdale C20 350/350 3.73's Still running full CA smog gear!

12-06-2005, 04:28 AM	#8
DirtyBurb86 Narcissistic Prick Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: So Cal Posts: 87	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... OK, the general consensus seems to be the striker/bushings. I tried wrapping electrical tape around the striker (there is no bushing), but it didn't do the trick. I'll get some new bushings from HELP! products or try the 5/8" hose if I can't find any. If that doesn't do it, I'll try adjusting the striker itself. Thanks for all the help y'all, I'd be screwed without ya. I'll report back with what works out. Thanks again, Shawn __________________ '86 GMC Suburban K2500, 3/4, 4x4, 350/400, 4" susp lift, 35" BFG M/Ts '96 Oldsmobile Aurora, Pure Luxury!!! '03 Mazda6 Sport, V6, 240hp Dead Stock

12-06-2005, 10:35 AM	#9
woody96 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chapin, SC Posts: 392	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... Guys, great thread...I have the same problem.......new question about the striker bolt...if I replace it....it just screws out right? There is no nut on the inside right? Or is there?? THX!! __________________ "Fighting for our freedoms....."

12-06-2005, 10:38 AM	#10
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... There's a square hole (if I remember right) in the door jam that allows the adjustment. The striker threads into a flat metal plate "nut". You can reach behind the door jam and feel it. That's how it is on my 85 anyway. __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

12-06-2005, 10:43 AM	#11
woody96 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chapin, SC Posts: 392	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... So that nut is part of the door frame right?........in that I don't need to put a wrench on it to keep it still while I thread on the new striker bolt?? __________________ "Fighting for our freedoms....."

12-06-2005, 10:49 AM	#12
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... It will fall into the body if you don't hold it (personal experience here ). I replaced mine with a nut, but I was able to fish out the original nut-plate thing with a magnet later on. __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb Last edited by Bad Karma; 12-06-2005 at 10:50 AM.

12-06-2005, 10:58 AM	#13
woody96 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chapin, SC Posts: 392	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... I am not with my truck right now----so, is this nut in plain view or do I need to get behind some trim material or something behind the door jamb??? __________________ "Fighting for our freedoms....."

12-06-2005, 11:30 AM	#14
TrainD5115 North Coast, baby! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 437	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... If you reach around behind the striker bolt you will feel the square nut that it tightens up to. As previously stated, it will fall down on the cab floor if you don't keep hold of it. To adjust the striker you only have to loosen it, move it about where you want it then snug it up. Close the door and if it shuts good, then torque it down a little. __________________ Brad 79 Scottsdale C20 350/350 3.73's Still running full CA smog gear!

12-06-2005, 11:44 AM	#15
woody96 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chapin, SC Posts: 392	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... Thx!!!!!!! __________________ "Fighting for our freedoms....."



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

12-06-2005, 12:41 PM	#16
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... Great thread, thanks, I needed to adjust mine also. __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

07-04-2023, 11:18 PM	#17
Whamp48 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Kirkwood, PA Posts: 98	Re: Door Won't Close Securely... I did say 1972 C10....they don't have striker bolts.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.