1972 Ford LTD SW, 5th Door very Difficult to Open

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pestocat - 21 Sep 2007 05:31 GMT

I have a 1972 Ford LTD Station Wagon and the 5th door is very difficult to
open. This is the mode where door opens as a normal door (swings out) and
not as a tailgate door (swings down). It takes 3 heavy pulls before it
opens. It's almost as if the the door is locked. Does this mean something
needs adjusting. What can I adjust. Do I need to have the dealer do this.
Would anybody there know about this may be a better question.
Thank you

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Backyard Mechanic - 21 Sep 2007 15:27 GMT

> I have a 1972 Ford LTD Station Wagon and the 5th door is very
> difficult to open. This is the mode where door opens as a normal door
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> to have the dealer do this. Would anybody there know about this may be
> a better question. Thank you

I assume you mean it's difficult to UNLATCH the door, arrived at by "as if
it was locked" as opposed to 'difficult to open once unlatched' This is
usually caused by wear somewhere in the latch mechanism, same as any door.

I suggest you take it to a competent Body mechanic, not necessarily a
dealer... and probably a guy who is older than 20.

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CJB - 22 Sep 2007 04:03 GMT

>> I have a 1972 Ford LTD Station Wagon and the 5th door is very
>> difficult to open. This is the mode where door opens as a normal door
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> I suggest you take it to a competent Body mechanic, not necessarily a
> dealer... and probably a guy who is older than 20.

You might be right, but I don't *think* that's what's meant. Those doors
are HEAVY! Extremely heavy. I think the problem is much more likely that
the door hinges are worn and the door itself is dragging in the frame. I've
seen that several times in 80 something Crown Vic/Grand Marquis wagons. The
72's door is even heavier.

CJB

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pestocat - 22 Sep 2007 20:04 GMT

>>> I have a 1972 Ford LTD Station Wagon and the 5th door is very
>>> difficult to open. This is the mode where door opens as a normal door
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>
> CJB

It doesn't seem that the door is dragging on the frame. If that were the
case I assume I would hear a scrapping sound. This thing takes 3 heavy tugs
and then it opens and no scrapping sound. And it closes with no scrapping
sound.
Thank you

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CJB - 26 Sep 2007 04:17 GMT

>>>> I have a 1972 Ford LTD Station Wagon and the 5th door is very
>>>> difficult to open. This is the mode where door opens as a normal door
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
> scrapping sound.
> Thank you

Once you get it loose from the opening, is it still stiff to move? Have you
lubed the hinges and lock mechanisms?

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