65 Dart Door latch issue

Hi,

Working on my '65 Dart, the passenger door latch is giving me an issue. The door will shut tight, but the latch does lock it tight. If I pull the door back as to open it, it will open almost half an inch before the latch will stop it.

I have removed the latch from the door and will include some photos to show what is happening.

The first photo shows the position with the door closed tight

The second photo shows the position when the door is opened and the latching mechanism engages the dog on the striker preventing the door from opening (although the door would be open about 1/2")


Any ideas on how to fix this? There is not enough adjustment on the striker in the door cowl to make any difference.

Also, I would of liked to draw some circles around the areas that I am trying to discuss, does anyone know a good photo editor that can allow me to do this? Apparently the only way picasa thinks you should edit a photo is to crop and filter it...


Thanks,

Steve