MG Car Repair: mgtf door latch fitting, latch assembly, door latch

Question
The doors on my 55 TF do not latch except on the safety notch. I bought spacers and they don't solve the problem. I fear that I must remove some wood from the body where the door hardware mounts,  as the last resort. Do you know of someone who could give me a bit of advice? Thanks

Answer
Hi Dwain,
I would not make any wood modifications to get a door to latch. Look closely at the plunger in the latch assembly to see if it is so loose that it is just pushed to the side instead of against the spring due to ware. Also check to see if the door when pushed close gets flush with the body. If you can force the door in enough to make the body panel even with the door panel then you just need to work on the latch and striker. Also look closely at the latch mounting on the door to see if it is displaced from years of slamming the door, Same with the striker plate on the body. If they are so badly worn that it would not be worth repairing you might try Moss Motors, they have part numbers on them but you would have to contact them to see if the parts are still available. I believe that any good fabricating mechanic or machine shop could repair a worn latch assembly. Cost may be a factor as compared to a new unit if available.
It is difficult to see exactly what is happening when you close any door so I usually coat both the latch and the striker with white grease then close the door and examine the pattern to see what it is doing wrong. Then make the changes necessary to make it work. Don't rule out the door hinge as the problem as on many cars if the door is positioned wrong the latch will not catch.
I hope this helps.
Howard