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Door Latch repair [message #356522] Wed, 08 July 2020 08:30 Go to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
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Senior Member
I finally got my door curved enough to shut with secondary latching. Now it seems my lower latch jaw (LLJ) will lock initially but not secondary. The upper works fine. I took it apart and the cam that locks it seem to be working and the LLJ will lock as long as I put a little down pressure on the horizontal bar. Seems either a spring is missing or is weak somewhere or an adjustment is needed.

Is there a presentation or write up on adjustments for these mechanisms?

Also the lithium grease on it is old. What are y’all using to clean and lube these things?

Thanks

PS. I do not have email access to responses.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al

[Updated on: Wed, 08 July 2020 08:30]

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Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #356537 is a reply to message #356522] Wed, 08 July 2020 12:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
M.

Back in Nov. '18, I posted this in response to someone's similar situation:

Some years ago Bill Bramlett modified some latch pins by replacing the original
pin+rubber+visible surround with a solid steel pin. When I
finally got around to installing the one he gave me, it made a world of
difference difference in the door's closing. IIRC, JimK has taken over and
has them
made for sale.
Last year, I removed, disassembled, cleaned and re-lubricated the latch. I can
now latch the door firmly with one finger.
While you're fooling with the latch, adjust the barrel nut in the interior
lock button's shaft to that location that prevents locking the door from
the outside without the key --

There were several other postings associated with that confirming the value
of the solid striker -- and comments by JimK about the difficulty of
getting cores to modify.

As a follow up to that, Kim asked me to submit a writeup for the GMCMI
magazine, which I did -- you can probably find that, with photo, at
www.gmcmi.com

Ken H.


On Wed, Jul 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> I finally got my door curved enough to shut with secondary latching. Now
> it seems my lower latch jaw (LLJ) will lock initially but not secondary. The
> upper works fine. I took it apart and the cam that locks it seem to be
> working and the LLJ will lock as long as I put a little down pressure on the
> horizontal bar. Seems either a spring is missing or is weak somewhere or
> an adjustment is needed.
>
> Is there a presentation or write up on adjustments for these mechanisms?
>
> Also the lithium grease on it is old. What are y’all using to clean and
> lube these things?
>
> Thanks
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #356540 is a reply to message #356537] Wed, 08 July 2020 13:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Here's the Latch Tutorial location:
The Winter 2020 issue of *GMC Vintage RVing page 13*Ken H.

On Wed, Jul 8, 2020 at 1:54 PM Ken Henderson wrote:

> M.
>
> Back in Nov. '18, I posted this in response to someone's similar situation:
>
> Some years ago Bill Bramlett modified some latch pins by replacing the original
> pin+rubber+visible surround with a solid steel pin. When I
> finally got around to installing the one he gave me, it made a world of
> difference difference in the door's closing. IIRC, JimK has taken over
> and has them
> made for sale.
> Last year, I removed, disassembled, cleaned and re-lubricated the latch.
> I can now latch the door firmly with one finger.
> While you're fooling with the latch, adjust the barrel nut in the interior
> lock button's shaft to that location that prevents locking the door from
> the outside without the key --
>
> There were several other postings associated with that confirming the
> value of the solid striker -- and comments by JimK about the difficulty of
> getting cores to modify.
>
> As a follow up to that, Kim asked me to submit a writeup for the GMCMI
> magazine, which I did -- you can probably find that, with photo, at
> www.gmcmi.com
>
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM mtb8114--- via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> I finally got my door curved enough to shut with secondary latching. Now
>> it seems my lower latch jaw (LLJ) will lock initially but not secondary. The
>> upper works fine. I took it apart and the cam that locks it seem to be
>> working and the LLJ will lock as long as I put a little down pressure on the
>> horizontal bar. Seems either a spring is missing or is weak somewhere or
>> an adjustment is needed.
>>
>> Is there a presentation or write up on adjustments for these mechanisms?
>>
>> Also the lithium grease on it is old. What are y’all using to clean and
>> lube these things?
>>
>> Thanks
>> --
>> M Beam
>> 75’ Avion
>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>> Zuki Sidekick,
>> Dozier Al
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #356541 is a reply to message #356537] Wed, 08 July 2020 14:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Ken,
It just so happens I have that edition in a pile off mags next to my chair. LOL. I remember reading it just couldn’t remember where. I’ll give it another read.

Thanks


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al

[Updated on: Wed, 08 July 2020 14:36]

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Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357051 is a reply to message #356540] Tue, 21 July 2020 11:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Ken
I’ve cleaned and adjusted what I can on the latch mechanism. It’s back to closing with secondary latch. Still takes more force than I think is appropriate so I ordered and received the the solid striker from Jim K. So you mentioned not removing all for screws because the nut plate will fall into wall. So do you remove 3 and loosen one in order to swing old assembly away enough to start one for the new assembly?

Thanks


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357058 is a reply to message #357051] Tue, 21 July 2020 13:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
The two inboard screws have individual non-captive nuts behind a plastic
cover. I can't tell you how to manage the cover since I haven't had one
for 21+ years, but you'll have to get it out of the way to remove and
replace those.

The two outboard screws are into a non-captive threaded plate, so you don't
want to remove both of those at the same time. Loosen both screws, remove
one, swing the plate aside, reinsert the removed screw into only the
threaded plate, then remove the other screw. I reinsert the removed one to
be sure the threaded plate doesn't shift into an inaccessible position.

HTH,

Ken H.


On Tue, Jul 21, 2020 at 12:38 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Ken
> I’ve cleaned and adjusted what I can on the latch mechanism. It’s back to
> closing with secondary latch. Still takes more force than I think is
> appropriate so I ordered and received the the solid striker from Jim K.
> So you mentioned not removing all for screws because the nut plate will fall
> into wall. So do you remove 3 and loosen one in order to swing old
> assembly away enough to start one for the new assembly?
>
> Thanks
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357069 is a reply to message #356540] Tue, 21 July 2020 20:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
74_Coach is currently offline  74_Coach   Canada
Messages: 71
Registered: July 2019
Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Karma: 0
Member
Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 08 July 2020 11:30
Here's the Latch Tutorial location:
The Winter 2020 issue of *GMC Vintage RVing page 13*Ken H.
Do you mean Winter 2018 Issue of GMC Vintage RVing?


Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’
Central Coast CA
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357070 is a reply to message #357069] Tue, 21 July 2020 20:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Nope, issue 150, just as stated. I'm looking right at it: "GMC Motorhome
Entry Door Latch Tutorial".

Ken H.


On Tue, Jul 21, 2020 at 9:12 PM Ed Clerkin via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Ken Henderson wrote on Wed, 08 July 2020 11:30
>> Here's the Latch Tutorial location:
>> The Winter 2020 issue of *GMC Vintage RVing page 13*Ken H.
>
> Do you mean Winter 2018 Issue of GMC Vintage RVing?
> --
> Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’
>
> _______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357125 is a reply to message #357051] Thu, 23 July 2020 13:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
So even though I got the door to start fully latching again with a forceful shut I bought the new striker plate with solid Pin hoping it would improve it just enough for a reasonable shutting effort. Well now after installing new striker it’s back to only latching on first latch again. WTH. I did not see any way to adjust the striker unless I wallow out the holes on the cab. Why didn’t the GM engineers give some kind of adjustment to these doors? In any case It’s pretty aggravating. I have to go to my shop and get my ruler to make sure the new pin is in the same location on the plate as the original. If it is I guess I’ll be grinding on the new one and wallowing out the coach holes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al

[Updated on: Thu, 23 July 2020 13:31]

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Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357127 is a reply to message #357125] Thu, 23 July 2020 14:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Don’t grind the pin. The strike plate should be adjustable as Ken H has
stated. Are you sure that the caged nut plates are not present or is it
possible they are frozen and need to be freed up? Did you try slightly
loosening l of the strike plate bolts and tapping the plate with a hammer
and drift?

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 11:29 AM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> So even though I got the door to start fully latching again with a
> forceful shut I bought the new striker plate with solid Pin hoping it would
> improve
> it just enough for a reasonable shutting effort. Well now it’s back to
> only latching on first latch again. WTH. I did not see any way to adjust
> the striker unless I wallow out the holes on the cab. Why didn’t the GM
> engineers give some kind of adjustment to these doors? In any case It’s
> pretty aggravating. I have to go to my shop and get my ruler to make sure
> the new pin is in the same location on the plate as the original. If it is I
> guess I’ll be grinding on the new one and wallowing out the coach holes.
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357129 is a reply to message #357127] Thu, 23 July 2020 17:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
sgltrac wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 14:16
Don’t grind the pin. The strike plate should be adjustable as Ken H has
stated. Are you sure that the caged nut plates are not present or is it
possible they are frozen and need to be freed up? Did you try slightly
loosening l of the strike plate bolts and tapping the plate with a hammer
and drift?

Sully
Bellevue wa

On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 11:29 AM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> So even though I got the door to start fully latching again with a
> forceful shut I bought the new striker plate with solid Pin hoping it would
> improve
> it just enough for a reasonable shutting effort. Well now it’s back to
> only latching on first latch again. WTH. I did not see any way to adjust
> the striker unless I wallow out the holes on the cab. Why didn’t the GM
> engineers give some kind of adjustment to these doors? In any case It’s
> pretty aggravating. I have to go to my shop and get my ruler to make sure
> the new pin is in the same location on the plate as the original. If it is I
> guess I’ll be grinding on the new one and wallowing out the coach holes.
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the pin. If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate and they are different that would explain why old plate works and new plate doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard holes and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard direction I will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the door may hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard holes and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357132 is a reply to message #357129] Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
M.,

I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range for the
striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging on is
not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine, which
was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an OEM one
from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local fabrication
project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door facing
allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a Dremel
tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and then the
other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about the
inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the outboard
ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the plate. As
I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that engagement on
your new one.

HTH,

Ken H.


On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the pin.
> If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate and
> they are different that would explain why old plate works and new plate
> doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard holes
> and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard direction I
> will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the door
> may
> hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard holes
> and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357135 is a reply to message #357132] Thu, 23 July 2020 20:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36
M.,

I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range for the
striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging on is
not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine, which
was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an OEM one
from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local fabrication
project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door facing
allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a Dremel
tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and then the
other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about the
inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the outboard
ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the plate. As
I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that engagement on
your new one.

HTH,

Ken H.


On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the pin.
> If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate and
> they are different that would explain why old plate works and new plate
> doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard holes
> and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard direction I
> will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the door
> may
> hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard holes
> and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
>
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Comparing old plate to new plate shows exact same width,length and thickness but the distance between outboard edge of plate to outboard inside edge of pin there is a difference. The new pin is 1/8” closer to outer edge and the pin is about 1/8” longer than original pin. So that blows my theory that having the pin closer to door latch would help. The center of latch jaws line up perfect on center of pin with pin head landing beside the jaws with no rubbing. All aspects say it should have worked perfectly. So I’m at a loss. I think the GMC is sensing my building animosity. I may look at replacing the whole GMC door lock/latch contraption with a standard RV door latch system.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357136 is a reply to message #357135] Thu, 23 July 2020 21:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Someone somewhere has a parts coach with a good latch. I'd try to find
that before going to something more conventional -- and probably less
effective.

JMHO,
Ken H.


On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 9:02 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36
>> M.,
>>
>> I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range for
> the
>> striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging on is
>> not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine, which
>> was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an OEM
> one
>> from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local
> fabrication
>> project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door
> facing
>> allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a
> Dremel
>> tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and then
> the
>> other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about the
>> inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the outboard
>> ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the plate.
> As
>> I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
>> interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that engagement on
>> your new one.
>>
>> HTH,
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the
> pin.
>>> If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate
> and
>>> they are different that would explain why old plate works and new
> plate
>>> doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard
> holes
>>> and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard direction
> I
>>> will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the
> door
>>> may
>>> hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard
> holes
>>> and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
>>> --
>>> M Beam
>>> 75’ Avion
>>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>>> Zuki Sidekick,
>>> Dozier Al
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> Comparing old plate to new plate shows exact same width,length and
> thickness but the distance between outboard edge of plate to outboard
> inside edge
> of pin there is a difference. The new pin is 1/8” closer to outer edge and
> the pin is about 1/8” longer than original pin. So that blows my theory
> that having the pin closer to door latch would help. The center of latch
> jaws line up perfect on center of pin with pin head landing beside the jaws
> with no rubbing. All aspects say it should have worked perfectly. So I’m
> at a loss. I think the GMC is sensing my building animosity. I may look
> at replacing the whole GMC door lock/latch contraption with a standard RV
> door latch system.
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357137 is a reply to message #357136] Thu, 23 July 2020 23:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We sell all type door latch/lock, none stand up to use like the GMC
Also most cannot do it tastefully.

On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 7:15 PM Ken Henderson via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Someone somewhere has a parts coach with a good latch. I'd try to find
> that before going to something more conventional -- and probably less
> effective.
>
> JMHO,
> Ken H.
>
>
> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 9:02 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36
>>> M.,
>>>
>>> I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range for
>> the
>>> striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging on
> is
>>> not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine,
> which
>>> was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an OEM
>> one
>>> from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local
>> fabrication
>>> project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door
>> facing
>>> allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a
>> Dremel
>>> tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and then
>> the
>>> other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about the
>>> inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the outboard
>>> ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the plate.
>> As
>>> I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
>>> interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that engagement
> on
>>> your new one.
>>>
>>> HTH,
>>>
>>> Ken H.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist >> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the
>> pin.
>>>> If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate
>> and
>>>> they are different that would explain why old plate works and new
>> plate
>>>> doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard
>> holes
>>>> and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard
> direction
>> I
>>>> will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the
>> door
>>>> may
>>>> hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard
>> holes
>>>> and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
>>>> --
>>>> M Beam
>>>> 75’ Avion
>>>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>>>> Zuki Sidekick,
>>>> Dozier Al
>>>>
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>> Comparing old plate to new plate shows exact same width,length and
>> thickness but the distance between outboard edge of plate to outboard
>> inside edge
>> of pin there is a difference. The new pin is 1/8” closer to outer edge
> and
>> the pin is about 1/8” longer than original pin. So that blows my theory
>> that having the pin closer to door latch would help. The center of latch
>> jaws line up perfect on center of pin with pin head landing beside the
> jaws
>> with no rubbing. All aspects say it should have worked perfectly. So I’m
>> at a loss. I think the GMC is sensing my building animosity. I may look
>> at replacing the whole GMC door lock/latch contraption with a standard RV
>> door latch system.
>> --
>> M Beam
>> 75’ Avion
>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>> Zuki Sidekick,
>> Dozier Al
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357142 is a reply to message #357136] Fri, 24 July 2020 07:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 21:14
Someone somewhere has a parts coach with a good latch. I'd try to find
that before going to something more conventional -- and probably less
effective.

JMHO,
Ken H.


On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 9:02 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36
>> M.,
>>
>> I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range for
> the
>> striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging on is
>> not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine, which
>> was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an OEM
> one
>> from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local
> fabrication
>> project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door
> facing
>> allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a
> Dremel
>> tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and then
> the
>> other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about the
>> inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the outboard
>> ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the plate.
> As
>> I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
>> interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that engagement on
>> your new one.
>>
>> HTH,
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be the
> pin.
>>> If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old plate
> and
>>> they are different that would explain why old plate works and new
> plate
>>> doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard
> holes
>>> and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard direction
> I
>>> will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise the
> door
>>> may
>>> hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard
> holes
>>> and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
>>> --
>>> M Beam
>>> 75’ Avion
>>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>>> Zuki Sidekick,
>>> Dozier Al
>>>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> Comparing old plate to new plate shows exact same width,length and
> thickness but the distance between outboard edge of plate to outboard
> inside edge
> of pin there is a difference. The new pin is 1/8” closer to outer edge and
> the pin is about 1/8” longer than original pin. So that blows my theory
> that having the pin closer to door latch would help. The center of latch
> jaws line up perfect on center of pin with pin head landing beside the jaws
> with no rubbing. All aspects say it should have worked perfectly. So I’m
> at a loss. I think the GMC is sensing my building animosity. I may look
> at replacing the whole GMC door lock/latch contraption with a standard RV
> door latch system.
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
I’ve decided to put the old strike plate back on and just live with the required additional force to close it. I don’t really want to waste anymore money or time on it now. As far as effectiveness goes the door latch/lock mechanism on my 2004 Titanium has had tons of abuse and works like new. The metal throw for the latch and separate lockable dead bolt are very solid. In addition the absence of rods and levers needed to simply latch the door means it’s less likely to break down and cause a lock in/out situation.

Again thanks for the help hopefully it will go back to working with old striker plate.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al
Re: [GMCnet] Door Latch repair [message #357149 is a reply to message #357142] Fri, 24 July 2020 09:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We do supply the modified Latch assembly.
Just take the measurements and we will be able to send one that is correct
length.
There is no reason to have to force shut the door.
Also a touch of light Lub cannot heart.

On Fri, Jul 24, 2020 at 5:55 AM mtb8114--- via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 21:14
>> Someone somewhere has a parts coach with a good latch. I'd try to find
>> that before going to something more conventional -- and probably less
>> effective.
>>
>> JMHO,
>> Ken H.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 9:02 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Ken Henderson wrote on Thu, 23 July 2020 17:36
>>>> M.,
>>>>
>>>> I agree with you that GMC should have allowed more adjustment range
> for
>>> the
>>>> striker plate. It turns out that the "new" one I've been bragging
> on is
>>>> not the original plate. The original is slightly wider than mine,
> which
>>>> was obviously fabricated from 1/4"x2" bar stock. So, I removed an
> OEM
>>> one
>>>> from a friend's coach to use as a model for our possible local
>>> fabrication
>>>> project. I was shocked at how little movement the holes in the door
>>> facing
>>>> allow. If I were in your shoes, needing to enlarge them, I'd use a
>>> Dremel
>>>> tool with a burr for the job so I could easily grind first one and
> then
>>> the
>>>> other of those over the threaded plate. And I wouldn't worry about
> the
>>>> inboard ones until I'd gotten the adjustment correct with the
> outboard
>>>> ones. Another point I'd watch carefully is the shimming of the
> plate.
>>> As
>>>> I've mentioned, my plate needs some more shims to eliminate slight
>>>> interference with the locking jaws. You need to check that
> engagement on
>>>> your new one.
>>>>
>>>> HTH,
>>>>
>>>> Ken H.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, Jul 23, 2020 at 6:12 PM mtb8114--- via Gmclist >
> gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> > Sorry I did not make clear what I’d be grinding. It would not be
> the
>>> pin.
>>>> > If I compare the placement of the pin on the new plate and old
> plate
>>> and
>>>> > they are different that would explain why old plate works and new
>>> plate
>>>> > doesn’t. If they are the same then I’ll have to extend the outboard
>>> holes
>>>> > and the inboard holes. If I have to move the plate outboard
> direction
>>> I
>>>> > will have to grind down the outboard side of the plate otherwise
> the
>>> door
>>>> > may
>>>> > hit it. There are no cage nuts. Just threaded plate for outboard
>>> holes
>>>> > and standard hex nuts for two inboard holes.
>>>> > --
>>>> > M Beam
>>>> > 75’ Avion
>>>> > TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>>>> > Zuki Sidekick,
>>>> > Dozier Al
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>>> Comparing old plate to new plate shows exact same width,length and
>>> thickness but the distance between outboard edge of plate to outboard
>>> inside edge
>>> of pin there is a difference. The new pin is 1/8” closer to outer
> edge and
>>> the pin is about 1/8” longer than original pin. So that blows my
> theory
>>> that having the pin closer to door latch would help. The center of
> latch
>>> jaws line up perfect on center of pin with pin head landing beside
> the jaws
>>> with no rubbing. All aspects say it should have worked perfectly. So
> I’m
>>> at a loss. I think the GMC is sensing my building animosity. I may
> look
>>> at replacing the whole GMC door lock/latch contraption with a
> standard RV
>>> door latch system.
>>> --
>>> M Beam
>>> 75’ Avion
>>> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
>>> Zuki Sidekick,
>>> Dozier Al
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> I’ve decided to put the old strike plate back on and just live with the
> required additional force to close it. I don’t really want to waste
> anymore money or time on it now. As far as effectiveness goes the door
> latch/lock mechanism on my 2004 Titanium has had tons of abuse and works
> like
> new. The metal throw for the latch and separate lockable dead bolt are
> very solid. In addition the absence of rods and levers needed to simply
> latch
> the door means it’s less likely to break down and cause a lock in/out
> situation.
>
> Again thanks for the help hopefully it will go back to working with old
> striker plate.
>
> --
> M Beam
> 75’ Avion
> TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff
> Zuki Sidekick,
> Dozier Al
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: Door Latch repair [message #357150 is a reply to message #356522] Fri, 24 July 2020 10:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
pjburt is currently offline  pjburt   United States
Messages: 436
Registered: February 2016
Location: Fresno, California
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Jim Bounds (Co-op), in one of his Daily Pose, wrote about a second latching problem. It turned out the outside edge of the pin plate was too wide, not allowing the door to make the second latch.
Ha... found the page. You might check this out.
http://www.gmccoop.com/gmc-motorhome-rubys-door-clicks-twice/


Jerry Burt Fresno, CA.
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Re: Door Latch repair [message #357155 is a reply to message #357150] Fri, 24 July 2020 11:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
MikeB is currently offline  MikeB   United States
Messages: 133
Registered: December 2018
Location: South Bama
Karma: 1
Senior Member
pjburt wrote on Fri, 24 July 2020 10:07
Jim Bounds (Co-op), in one of his Daily Pose, wrote about a second latching problem. It turned out the outside edge of the pin plate was too wide, not allowing the door to make the second latch.
Ha... found the page. You might check this out.
http://www.gmccoop.com/gmc-motorhome-rubys-door-clicks-twice/
Thanks. I actually read that article. Initially I thought I might have to shave the new plate because I assumed the pin was to far inboard and that’s why it wouldn’t do a 2nd latch. Turns out the pin actually sits 1/8” more outboard than stock pin. So jaws not reaching is not the problem. In addition, the new and old plate I have both sit flush with the edge of the first channel on the frame. So the door would just hit the frame/channel if I shaved the plate edge.

From the marks on the new pin I believe it’s hitting the latch frame. As the pin goes into the latch jaws they latch down for the first lock. Not a problem because that area is wider. However just passed that the frame of the latch narrows considerably and that’s where the second latch is activated. At that point the pin barrel needs to hit both upper and lower jaws simultaneously or it won’t move. It looks like the new pin is hitting that upper narrowed area putting more force on upper jaw instead of equal force on both jaws. Therefore the jaws will not push in and latch. We are only talking about 1/16” to high but it’s enough. My original pin actually engages the secondary latch albeit with some extra force. I believe it’s because it has rubber bushing wrapped around the pin barrel with another bushing made of thin metal with a gap wrapped around the rubber. That allows just enough movement up or down as it’s pushed through narrow section thus allowing it to push both secondary jaws simultaneously. Sorry if I didn’t described this clearly. In other words The factory designed pin allows for some misalignment by being flexible. The solid pin does not. So I will be elongating the outboard holes In order to adjust the striker plate and pin downward. The inboard holes are factory oversized and don’t need to be elongated.


M Beam 75’ Avion TBI EBL , 3.70 LSD and other stuff Zuki Sidekick, Dozier Al
Re: Door Latch repair [message #357157 is a reply to message #357155] Fri, 24 July 2020 13:00 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Bill Van Vlack is currently offline  Bill Van Vlack   United States
Messages: 419
Registered: September 2015
Location: Guemes Island, Washington
Karma: 14
Senior Member
I'm sure you've moved way beyond this, but on my coach the second latch never engaged without some force because the door was curved in at the bottom, and the PO had installed foam insulation that resisted closing. Once I closed the door with resolve on a 2/4 stuck in the opening at the bottom and removed the foam it made it to the second latch.

I assume you've tried removing the striker plate and pin completely to see if the door itself will close as it should.


Bill Van Vlack '76 Royale; Guemes Island, Washington; Twin bed, full (DS) side bath, Brazilian Redwood counter and settee tops,455, 6KW generator; new owner a/o mid November 2015.
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