I was looking into why the driver door is so hard to latch and accidentally flipped the latch with the door open, so now it CANT latch it closed. Is there a way to reset the clasp without having to remove the door panels? It's got to release somehow right?

 

Have you tried using the key in the door lock yet? Lock and unlock it, then use the door handle as if you were opening a closed door to see if that will release the latch. If not, put a large screwdriver in the latch and when you pull on the door handle try to pop the latch with the screwdriver.

 

I will try it tomorrow after work and let you know.

 

Success! Had to wedge a little while pulling the outer handle but it released. Now, do you have a tip on how to get these big 70s 2 door cars to close without slamming the hell out of the doors? I keep waiting for the door panels to snap.

 

I'm glad to hear you got the latch problem resolved. They are really big doors. Are they sagging? When these cars were new it was possible to close the door without having to slam it. So I'm thinking something needs adjusted if you have to do it now. John

 

They don't appear to sag. The manual is pretty vague about adjusting the striker. I was hoping someone has a straight forward method. Really not sure if it's the striker to play with or the latch mechanism in the door.