1955 Door latch sticks | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
  • We're glad you found us via a search engine! Right now, you can join our club absolutely free and unlock member only features like the site search! This notice only appears once! It only takes 30 seconds to register, and we would love to have you as part of the World's largest Thunderbird Forum/Club! Click here to continue

  • Cyber Week Sale
    LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS for 1-year price!

1955 Door latch sticks

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lairence
  • Start date Start date
L
Reaction score
0
Thunderbird Year
1955
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.

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