68 dart door mechanism

[The Girl]

So I have been dealing with it-using my shoulder to slam my way out of my car but today I could not get the door open so decided I should fix it. I have the door panel off....when I pull on the inside handle it appears to be doing it's job...So I got out my factory service manual to see how the mechanism is supposed to work but I can't find anything. I don't want to put the panel back on and then be stuck in the car again...can anyone give me a quick explanation of how it works --- and should I lube it? Thanks everyone.

 

[jefflock]

Lube it up. It won't hurt a thing. What did you figure out to get it working????

 

[jaws]

Check to see if the striker in the door jam is loose as in cracked around the base metal.

 

[nothingbutdarts]

check to see if the striker in the door jam is loose as in cracked around the base metal.

x2

 

[MOBodyman]

Also, if the pins and bushings are worn, it may be dragging on the striker. It's more noticable trying to open from the inside, as you tend to lift up on the door when opening from the outside, which makes it open easier.
Another thing that happens over time is the rods and levers get a little out of their original shape. Then you don't get the full stroke when you pull the handle. Sometimes you have to bend a rod to 'shorten' it a little so it pulls the lever on the latch fully.
I hope that made sense. LOL
Dallas

 

[RustyRatRod]

To check for worn hinges, open the door and grab it on the rear side that closes onto the latch. Try to lift it up. If you get movement, the hinge pins are bad. You can get new pins and bushing kits, but most of the time, the hinge brackets are worn if it has gotten to the point you describe. The hinge brackets can be repaired if you have a mig welder and some other standard shop tools. I've done a ton of them.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Bring it over. I'll have a look and help you get it fixed.

 

[The Girl]

thanks everyone. I did lube it up and that helped but it is slowly going back to it's old ways so I am gonna take everyone's advice and look at every component. I appreciate it! The shop manual--though thorough in most areas--didn't show me what I needed for this.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Hey, do you have a Year One catalog yet? There are LOTS of "exploded view" drawings throughout and there might be one of the door area (since they sell rubber seals, etc.).

 

[The Girl]

I don't but I will get one! Thanks

 

[iggys68dart]

i love it when a girl lubes it up

 

[iggys68dart]

To check for worn hinges, open the door and grab it on the rear side that closes onto the latch. Try to lift it up. If you get movement, the hinge pins are bad. You can get new pins and bushing kits, but most of the time, the hinge brackets are worn if it has gotten to the point you describe. The hinge brackets can be repaired if you have a mig welder and some other standard shop tools. I've done a ton of them.

x10

 

[cudamark]

While you have the panel off, check to see if the latch has all it's return springs in good working order. With the outside button pushed, adjust the striker so the door will open and close without binding or hitting anything. There is also an adjustment you can make to get more throw on the linkage to the outside handle. There is a little access hole about an inch away from the upper latch mounting screw. You use an Allen wrench to loosen the adjustment bolt and slide it to remove any slop in the linkage. Lube everything in sight including the window regulator and slides. Spray grease works good for this. WD-40 and the like don't last long enough.