DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY on a '78

[kfoz]

I have an door latch issue. After I loosened up my drivers door latch assembly to install a new door handle and tightened everything back up, I shut my door(door unlocked) and the door opened and closed fine.  PROBLEM you ask? Yes, I shut the door again ,  THEN pushed the door lock(manual locks)down, and the latch stayed locked and wouldn't let me pull the knob back up. I had to go in with an awl and release part of the latch and the door POPPED open. What happenend and what the heck is wrong?

[Captkaos]

I think you are saying you can't pull the lock up after you shut it?
Try it again and push in the button on the outside and let off an then pull it up.
If this works, lube the latch mechanism.

[VileZambonie]

I think you are saying you can't pull the lock up after you shut it?
Try it again and push in the button on the outside and let off an then pull it up.
If this works, lube the latch mechanism.

LOL, had to do that every time in my first truck! I miss that rig

[Captkaos]

I had one do that too.  I finally got annoyed with it and remove the whole assembly carb cleaned it to death and the lubed everything.  It stopped after that.  My Crew Cab does this every once in a while on the rear door.

[GoatBeard]

That brings back memories!  A couple of these old trucks I've had in the past you had to push the button, then pull the lock up... 

[kfoz]

Capt,

Funny thing is, before I decided to to do all this, it worked just fine. All I did was loosen up the latch assembly to bring it up closer so I could release the keeper that holds the door handle verticle rod! It still is not working and I did lube it up well.