1955 Door latch sticks

[Lairence]

I'm new to forum. Just bought a '55. Driver door sometimes sticks and will NOT release. Neither interior handle nor exterior button will release door. I have to get out from passenger side. After trying to open door from outside car I can generally "force" door to open. Then it opens and closes easily as many times as I try. (5-10 times). Anyone know why? Is it body flex while driving? Worn latch? It doesn't happen every time. Just unexpectedly.

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[dried007]

I have the same problem. I can force it open with my shoulder against the door.

 

[rwood]

Good morning, I too had the same problem. I replaced the latch assembly and that help but the big repair for me was the hinge box . I needed to reinforce it. ( Rust and time did not allow any adjustment or door support. ) also, if you have worn hinge pins the same thing could happen. In my case I ended up replacing inner rockers and floors. ( still in process.lol) I was quoted 10k for all but I am in about 20 hours and less then 700 in parts doing it myself , so far. If it’s rust in the hinge box’s it’s extensive metal work the outer fender panel, hinge boxes and floors and rockers are available from NPD.
Best of luck ,
Rurik Wood

 

[rwood]

Good morning, I too had the same problem. I replaced the latch assembly and that help but the big repair for me was the hinge box . I needed to reinforce it. ( Rust and time did not allow any adjustment or door support. ) also, if you have worn hinge pins the same thing could happen. In my case I ended up replacing inner rockers and floors. ( still in process.lol) I was quoted 10k for all but I am in about 20 hours and less then 700 in parts doing it myself , so far. If it’s rust in the hinge box’s it’s extensive metal work the outer fender panel, hinge boxes and floors and rockers are available from NPD.
Best of luck ,
Rurik Wood

P.s . I was aware of the rust prior to purchase. My tbird was due for paint as well so it worked out. I got 4 years out of it prior to these repairs. If the rust is not too bad and the hinge boxes are not moving much you might get by with 1/4 plate steel to reinforce the box . I’ll send you pictures if you like. But ultimately you are just buying a few years before extensive metal work is needed

 

[TBoidMark]

I had the same problem with the drivers side door on my 55 Bird. I tried everything over the course of a year to figure out the cause. No luck! And, then I remembered reading that the ‘56, ‘57 door latches often times work on the ‘55’s, especially on the later models with a slightly deeper pocket on the door jamb. I ordered part #T-022009-2 striker plate from NPD, installed the part, and the problem was solved! That was two years ago and have never had any more issues. I hope that helps. T-Boid Mark.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

I've had similar problems with vintage Corvettes with reproduction interior door parts such as latches that didn't have enough "throw" to completely unlatch the door at times