You are a savior! I literally just had both door locks not unlock at the same time! I just found your video searching around, and I'm hoping this solves my issue. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Thank you. I just picked up a 67 coupe and one side won’t actuate to open from outside. The other the spring must be shot or broke cuz don’t latch closed until repeated attempts. This video was just what I needed to see. I appreciate your time explaining and demonstrating the operations . Thank you again . Two thumbs up !!!
Darn..saw the headlines....hoping it would be the answer to my issue...Can't get the hood to pop on my -68. It worked just fine, then suddenly not. Great video anyway,thanks
I was not looking but come upon this video randomly. My 68 mustang passenger door was doing exactly as you describe about 3 month's ago I with the door open was activating what you call the bear claw and finally loosen the bear claw latch assembly heard a audible click and could see latch slightly move. If I tighten it real tight the door would not function if I just snug it functions correctly. Plan on rebuilding the doors in future but for now I may go back in and adjust the rod you point out. Then again not having the problem per se right now I should leave well enough alone. Ha ha
You are welcome, I too "messed with it for hours," and because NOONE would ever share this info, I DID!!! I can''t believe that the internet was BARREN on this subject!
This video saved my ass! But pulling the door panel next to my racing seats was a pain in the ass! Not to mention how cut up my damn forearm got from the knife edge on that door… who the hell designed that?!?!
Thanks, I searched the internet for hours and Nothing on this subject, which is odd since the classic mustang is one of the most worked on restored cars around!!@
Thank you for making this video! This is the problem I'm having on my 68 cougar and I am hoping this fixes it! I have been looking at the operation of every component and I couldn't figure it out!
Ford used this design on so many models that I am absolutely sure that if you are having the same problem as me, it will fix it! The 68 Cougar is basically a Mustang with a different design body...slightly longer but the same basic design! In fact many people don't know this but the 68 Cougar and Mustang share the same windshield, door hinges, exterior door handles, brakes and the list goes on and on.
Thanks for the video. I still can’t understand what rotation direction you were talking about once you pull the assembly out. Looks like you made a circular motion but not sure. Wish you could’ve given an actual demo of that rotation. I tried what I thought you meant and after 4 hours, my door still doesn’t work. Do you mean spin it around so the pin goes in from the other side. Back to the drawing board...
Hi! My door handles and lock aren’t working on my 67 Gto out of the blue. I removed the window regulator, door handle, and armrest, but am having difficulty removing the panel as the door is closed. I could remove the trim on the lower inside quarter panel to access the right edge of the door panel to remove the clips…what a pain. If you have any ideas, let me know! Linda
Thanks for this very thorough video, but the problem my door not opening or closing (bear claws not opening and closing) on my '69 Mustang is that the Door latch spring is broken (I found it on the bottom of the inside of the door). How do I replace that spring on this mechanism? Do I need to pull the whole mechanism out or can it be done while the mechanism is still attached? Thanks in advance.
Sorry to hear that, I am not sure the spring is even available separately. Pretty sure you will have to remove the entire latch....like 99% sure. Thanks for watching!
@@HowToHeaven Thanks for the reply. The spring is available.....I checked with several sources and actually found the best deal (including shipping) on Ebay! The dealers are selling for around $9 each, but want another $9 or $10 to ship it to you (when it only costs them $3.50!! I got mine on Ebay for around $16 including the shipping. ;-)
On my 1969 Ford Mustang the issue are both doors are closed, key unlocks the lock mechanism (the knob goes up and down), the door handle button can be depressed all the way in, but the door latches do not disengage; the stay locked. And since the windows are up and the lock does not unlock, the doors won’t open. Since I can’t access the latch or any components, what is the best way to unlatch both doors? The Jimmy Stick method? Or something else? Didn’t see an alternate method in your video for this condition. Any thoughts? Thanks
I believe that both of your doors are suffering from the same latch condition that this video addresses. As far as trying to get the doors open, I am afraid I am not going to be much help as I have never owned the 69-70 body style Mustang, and I do know that their door panels are substantially larger than the 65-68 Mustang. This means trying to take the panels off with the door unable to open is going to be a challenge, which leaves your suggestion of the Jimmy Stick as the best method, in my mind. Good luck and please post your solution here so that others may benefit. Thanks for watching my videos!
What a totally crappy design!!! This is ridiculous but you clearly identified the problem and the cure. Thanks so much because I was at my wits end trying to figure it out. The latch would work perfectly on the bench but not when it was installed due to the misadjustment of the handle rod. Another Ford engineering F-up!!!
Thank you! Would this problem cause the reverse issue, of the door will not lock? Neither door on my 65 will lock when turning the key. Turning the key feels difficult. The rod will not go up down by pushing or pulling it. Seems like the lock mechanism is stuck unlocked. The door handle release still works for both doors. Both doors latch shut and open no problem. Amy tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
Through the process of elimination, I would make an adjustment to the rod and see what effect that has, if it doesn't change, adjust the other direction. Remember to mark the current location, and count the rotations. Hope that helps.
Thank you sir! I have a 69 Galaxie and both doors were stuck shut. Thanks so much! Great video. Im also trying to find a good source for 69 Galaxie parts if you know of any. Doing a 69 Galaxie hardtop and a 69 convertible. Jeff in Oregon
You're welcome Jeff. Sorry I have no sources for Galaxie parts. I would suggest that you fine a good parts substitution book. Ford uses many of the parts for their cars on as many models that they can to increase their profit and to maximize their R&D
Sounds like the rods are NOT connected. Is this a new issue or did you just get the car? Remove the Door Panel, and I'm sure that you will see the problem. If not, then it's probably a broken latch. Hope this helps.
Hi. I Have a 1965 Mustang with the problem where it does not want to close with a normal amount of force. Only if I slam it hard does it close. Your comment about the spring caught my attention and I see that replacement springs are available for 67-68 Mustangs. I cant find out if the 1965 latch uses a spring, if it is different and where to get it. Any suggestions other than getting complete new latches?
65 latches are exactly the same design as 67-68, however I bet your striker in the door frame is misadjusted. Loosen it and move it towards the door, that will probably fix your issue.
Had this issue with a 69 Cougar. Use the L method like Ford recommends. I have never done this before but I got my door open within two minutes using the Ford manual recommendation. You need a metal clothes hanger, I used a fly swatter that had a wrapped wire handle(just undo the wrap). You may have to cut the rear rubber seal a little where you can shine your flashlight down in the door(roll your window down).
Thank you for your opinion, Kevin. I'm guessing that you don't make UA-cam videos. They are time consuming and take hours to edit. As a creator, entertainment and education go hand in hand. In order to make any income on UA-cam, there are strict rules as to how long a video must be in addition to the number of subscribers and hours watched, before a creator can even be monitized. In keeping with those guidelines, I try and provide information and entertainment in my videos. I hope you will continue to watch, and thanks for watching this video.
You are a savior! I literally just had both door locks not unlock at the same time! I just found your video searching around, and I'm hoping this solves my issue. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Thank you sir for taking the time to make this video. I was a loss till I watched your video. Now my door opens perfectly
You are welcome! It is such a common yet unexplained issue! Thanks for watching my videos!
THANK YOU!!! - exactly what was wrong with my 67 mustang, same issue, and this fixed it! couldn't find the issue till I saw this.
Thank you. I just picked up a 67 coupe and one side won’t actuate to open from outside. The other the spring must be shot or broke cuz don’t latch closed until repeated attempts. This video was just what I needed to see. I appreciate your time explaining and demonstrating the operations . Thank you again . Two thumbs up !!!
Thank you, the Mustang has been around for 57 years and I've never seen any info on this subject, so I made a video. Thanks for watching my videos!
I had passenger door stuck, but window was halfway down making it even more challenging. I need Both a regulator and a door latch
Darn..saw the headlines....hoping it would be the answer to my issue...Can't get the hood to pop on my -68. It worked just fine, then suddenly not. Great video anyway,thanks
Thanks, I was able to open my 67 door using the screwdriver like you said.
You are welcome, and thanks for watching, HowToHeaven!
I was not looking but come upon this video randomly. My 68 mustang passenger door was doing exactly as you describe about 3 month's ago I with the door open was activating what you call the bear claw and finally loosen the bear claw latch assembly heard a audible click and could see latch slightly move. If I tighten it real tight the door would not function if I just snug it functions correctly. Plan on rebuilding the doors in future but for now I may go back in and adjust the rod you point out. Then again not having the problem per se right now I should leave well enough alone. Ha ha
I disagree, as one day you may find that you cannot open the door. Better to address the problems while it's convenient. Thanks for watching
Thank you for your video. I was able to get my door open and adjusted correctly.
You're welcome, this problem is so common on old fords, I can't believe nobody ever provides the correct answer!
Oh my God!! My project 68 mustang has passenger door that won't open. I've messed with it for hours. No info on web! Thank you thank you!
You are welcome, I too "messed with it for hours," and because NOONE would ever share this info, I DID!!! I can''t believe that the internet was BARREN on this subject!
This video saved my ass! But pulling the door panel next to my racing seats was a pain in the ass! Not to mention how cut up my damn forearm got from the knife edge on that door… who the hell designed that?!?!
The designer has probably long since passed! Glad to help!
You saved me much pain! Thanks
Thanks, I searched the internet for hours and Nothing on this subject, which is odd since the classic mustang is one of the most worked on restored cars around!!@
Thank you for making this video! This is the problem I'm having on my 68 cougar and I am hoping this fixes it! I have been looking at the operation of every component and I couldn't figure it out!
Ford used this design on so many models that I am absolutely sure that if you are having the same problem as me, it will fix it! The 68 Cougar is basically a Mustang with a different design body...slightly longer but the same basic design! In fact many people don't know this but the 68 Cougar and Mustang share the same windshield, door hinges, exterior door handles, brakes and the list goes on and on.
Thanks for the video. I still can’t understand what rotation direction you were talking about once you pull the assembly out. Looks like you made a circular motion but not sure. Wish you could’ve given an actual demo of that rotation. I tried what I thought you meant and after 4 hours, my door still doesn’t work. Do you mean spin it around so the pin goes in from the other side. Back to the drawing board...
Spot on
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
Hi! My door handles and lock aren’t working on my 67 Gto out of the blue. I removed the window regulator, door handle, and armrest, but am having difficulty removing the panel as the door is closed. I could remove the trim on the lower inside quarter panel to access the right edge of the door panel to remove the clips…what a pain. If you have any ideas, let me know!
Linda
Thanks for this very thorough video, but the problem my door not opening or closing (bear claws not opening and closing) on my '69 Mustang is that the Door latch spring is broken (I found it on the bottom of the inside of the door). How do I replace that spring on this mechanism? Do I need to pull the whole mechanism out or can it be done while the mechanism is still attached? Thanks in advance.
Sorry to hear that, I am not sure the spring is even available separately. Pretty sure you will have to remove the entire latch....like 99% sure. Thanks for watching!
@@HowToHeaven Thanks for the reply. The spring is available.....I checked with several sources and actually found the best deal (including shipping) on Ebay! The dealers are selling for around $9 each, but want another $9 or $10 to ship it to you (when it only costs them $3.50!! I got mine on Ebay for around $16 including the shipping. ;-)
@@USCG.Brennan Sometimes full assemblies are cheaper than individual parts. Did you check on the price of the complete latch...also no assembly
@@HowToHeaven No i didn't, but I will now. Thanks!
On my 1969 Ford Mustang the issue are both doors are closed, key unlocks the lock mechanism (the knob goes up and down), the door handle button can be depressed all the way in, but the door latches do not disengage; the stay locked. And since the windows are up and the lock does not unlock, the doors won’t open. Since I can’t access the latch or any components, what is the best way to unlatch both doors? The Jimmy Stick method? Or something else? Didn’t see an alternate method in your video for this condition. Any thoughts? Thanks
I believe that both of your doors are suffering from the same latch condition that this video addresses. As far as trying to get the doors open, I am afraid I am not going to be much help as I have never owned the 69-70 body style Mustang, and I do know that their door panels are substantially larger than the 65-68 Mustang. This means trying to take the panels off with the door unable to open is going to be a challenge, which leaves your suggestion of the Jimmy Stick as the best method, in my mind. Good luck and please post your solution here so that others may benefit. Thanks for watching my videos!
What a totally crappy design!!! This is ridiculous but you clearly identified the problem and the cure. Thanks so much because I was at my wits end trying to figure it out. The latch would work perfectly on the bench but not when it was installed due to the misadjustment of the handle rod. Another Ford engineering F-up!!!
Thank you! Would this problem cause the reverse issue, of the door will not lock? Neither door on my 65 will lock when turning the key. Turning the key feels difficult. The rod will not go up down by pushing or pulling it. Seems like the lock mechanism is stuck unlocked. The door handle release still works for both doors. Both doors latch shut and open no problem. Amy tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
Through the process of elimination, I would make an adjustment to the rod and see what effect that has, if it doesn't change, adjust the other direction. Remember to mark the current location, and count the rotations. Hope that helps.
U got my door open
Will this work on a 70 bronco. Doors are closed
Yes, Ford used this design for many years! Thanks for watching!
Thank you sir! I have a 69 Galaxie and both doors were stuck shut. Thanks so much! Great video. Im also trying to find a good source for 69 Galaxie parts if you know of any. Doing a 69 Galaxie hardtop and a 69 convertible. Jeff in Oregon
You're welcome Jeff. Sorry I have no sources for Galaxie parts. I would suggest that you fine a good parts substitution book. Ford uses many of the parts for their cars on as many models that they can to increase their profit and to maximize their R&D
Jeff, I'm in Oregon also (near Salem) and I'd check with Scott Drake for those parts.
Meanwhile I have the problem were the door unlocks if I don't close it super soft
1970 Mach One. Driver door will lock and unlock. But does not open. Inner door handle is loose and isn't connected. Thoughts?
Sounds like the rods are NOT connected. Is this a new issue or did you just get the car? Remove the Door Panel, and I'm sure that you will see the problem. If not, then it's probably a broken latch. Hope this helps.
Hi. I Have a 1965 Mustang with the problem where it does not want to close with a normal amount of force. Only if I slam it hard does it close. Your comment about the spring caught my attention and I see that replacement springs are available for 67-68 Mustangs. I cant find out if the 1965 latch uses a spring, if it is different and where to get it. Any suggestions other than getting complete new latches?
65 latches are exactly the same design as 67-68, however I bet your striker in the door frame is misadjusted. Loosen it and move it towards the door, that will probably fix your issue.
@@HowToHeaven Thank you!
Check your door post for wear, try adjusting that outward, clean the old grease and re-grease/oil the latch from both sides, it could be gummed up.
Thanks dude. Door is stuck now 111322
I don't suppose you take any responsibility for doing the work incorrectly?
Seems there could have been a simply better design.
For better audio you can use your iPhone wired earbuds with microphone. The sound is pretty good if it’s near your mouth.
Had this issue with a 69 Cougar. Use the L method like Ford recommends. I have never done this before but I got my door open within two minutes using the Ford manual recommendation. You need a metal clothes hanger, I used a fly swatter that had a wrapped wire handle(just undo the wrap). You may have to cut the rear rubber seal a little where you can shine your flashlight down in the door(roll your window down).
U need two extra feet.
Cut out the bs..jmho
Thank you for your opinion, Kevin. I'm guessing that you don't make UA-cam videos. They are time consuming and take hours to edit. As a creator, entertainment and education go hand in hand. In order to make any income on UA-cam, there are strict rules as to how long a video must be in addition to the number of subscribers and hours watched, before a creator can even be monitized. In keeping with those guidelines, I try and provide information and entertainment in my videos. I hope you will continue to watch, and thanks for watching this video.