GM door striker variations

[Wallington]

Over the years I've tried to collect a few original door strikers, found that there's often been 2 variations for these vehicles. Sellers often group these together and list all the models they might fit. Or send you a completely different one to that shown in their ad, frustrating and expensive.

This is a random pic of a few I had out at the time, but shows the longer 'standard' GM 70's and 80's striker for many models, #20151275. It features Torx head and nickel collar with a black nylon sleeve. These are blackened in this pic as awaiting plating. The 76-81 GM Parts books also list this same part number for Firebird models. And yet, on the right is the shorter #8770193 striker, original to my car and original to others in the late 70's. Often these have had the year stamped into the head. Others are plain, production vs service spare parts, who knows. The point is, these are not even mention in the later parts book as being used. The earlier 67-76 Part book still mentions this version for Firebirds.

Apart from the length when compared, easiest way to identify them on their own is the size of the shoulder vs the collar, roughly 1/2 vs roughly 2/3. The other thing this allows is closer door adjustment, or as was more common, extending by way of extra spacer to match the longer version.

I have 2 short strikers with 1978 stamping, 2 short that are plain with no stamping, and 2 of the longer strikers with 1980 stamping, several more that are plain. Seems in later years stamping the year was less important, if it ever was.

GM GN Corvette long door striker bolts short Firebird (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

GM GN Corvette long door striker bolts short Firebird (4) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

Original finish appears to have been a very thin gold plating, over a thin silver zinc plating, and usually painted over on the production line. Decades later, most have original paint long gone, which also means very little sign of either of the plating, just a gloomy grey finish, showing that the plating did it's job for some time.

NOS standard length #20151275, faded gold plating, plain heads.

NOS GM 20151275 Firebird door striker by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

Here's a silver reproduction with allen-key hex insert and original replated 1978 #8770193. At the time these came out the repros didn't have a torx option, they might now, have had them for years. But they feature the correct length and the collar, albeit they mention wrong part numbers as a replacement, buy extra washers. Unlikely that hey have the nylon sleeve, not visible.

Firebird door strikers repro and replated gold 1978 GM (2) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

Firebird door strikers repro and replated gold 1978 GM (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

2 original Firebird short #8770193 strikers, blackened vs plated.

Firebird door strikers blackened vs gold plated (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

Short Firebird #8770193 vs used late 80's solid non-collar striker #7978459. These also reverted back to allen-key heads, similar length.

Firebird used original GM door striker 8770193 20151275 with 7978459 replacement (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

Firebird used original GM door striker 8770193 20151275 with 7978459 replacement (3) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

An earlier version of the #20151275 was the #20151274 striker. These were solid, no collar and featured either Torx or allen-key hex insert, for late-60's when changed over gradually. They were effectively an earlier version of the #7978459, but not sure how lengths compared. I have many of these variations, sold some, the rest are still turning up in boxes lost for years, often not the type I want.

NOS GM 20151274 Firebird door striker  (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

NOS GM 20151274 Firebird door striker  (2) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

[Wallington]

For sake of conversation, anyone here have what they believe to be the original strikers on their vehicle? Did you get the long or short versions? Any packing washers under the dome washer? Any date codes, random numbers or plain?

[N PRGRES]

They probably just grabbed whatever was available on the line

[Wallington]

Of course they did. And they were specific to that line.

[FormTA]

I really struggled to find a replacement that worked. One i ordered "OEM" from classic industries had too thick of a washer that made it hit the door.

[Wallington]

For what it's worth, when the short #8771093 striker first appeared in late 60's through to early 70's, they appeared to have silver zinc plating. I'm not sure when they gained the additional, albeit very thin gold plating coat as well. These were nearly always covered in paint as installed prior to paint.

A very faded NOS set. They changed numbers in the mid-70's so the box is at least that old, in theory.

NOS GM 8770193 short Firebird door striker  (3) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

A pair of used originals from a 70-72 era GTO type model. I stripped the black paint off, have been cleaned somewhat, but can still see the fresh silver zinc plating, as opposed to later gold. Darker around edges and wear points where thinner or completely down to bare metal. Some from age, the rest from me cleaning them. Nylon sleeve still visble under the stainless collar.
These will be replated at some point.

GM 8770193 door strikers stripped paint silver zinc plated unrestored (2) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

GM 8770193 door strikers stripped paint silver zinc plated unrestored (3) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

[Wallington]

Here's a couple more trivial pics or detail changes.

Here's an early set of the #8990193 strikers I've blackened, compared to the later version from my '78 that has been replated. The later version is actually about 1/16" longer when mounted, possibly due to variations in production. The later version appears to have a thicker washer but perhaps less domed as when compared they were basically the same.

The very early version have a distinct bulge about them between the washer and collar, you can see this is missing from the NOS versions in previous posts, but also in later used versions. This area seems to also be where the length difference occurs, as seen in pics. Also missing is any form of stamped or cast dates, details or part numbers. This may be all fairly trivial, and is, but if someone is seeking the correct type or correct era, it makes them easier to identify in lousy, blurry ads of used parts. It may save them 10x international parcel costs to find out.

GM door strikers blackened 8770193 replated Firebird (1) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

GM door strikers blackened 8770193 replated Firebird (4) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

GM door strikers blackened 8770193 replated Firebird (5) by Ben Noakes, on Flickr

[N PRGRES]

If someone is that critical on a car they are worried about the color of a striker plate that's never seen, they probably also won't ever drive the car and it sits in a garage all the time, but I guess if that's your thing then whatever. 

We have a guy at work like that who has nice cars but is too scared to drive them.  It's not like they are high dollar classics, just nice old cars.

[wheels78ta]

I have a pair of the #20151275 NOS for the Y88.  I'll have to look for the original ones that were on the car. 

[Wallington]

Doesn't hurt to know, can't run forums from just the gossip pages. Clearly these posts are for guys that aren't you. That is clear from every post you take exception to that someone has gone to a lot of effort and expense to provide others with free information that doesnt interest you. That's fine, you don'thave to be interested. If you had to pay silly money to keep shipping parts from overseas you'd possibly take half a moment to select the most correct version of it, half the time the parts that arrive are not even of use to those that don't care. Appreciate the fact it's so cheap to not care, enjoy your car. Let others enjoy learning about theirs, if they choose to.

[5th T/A]

As the late Sly Stone used to say “different strokes for different folks”. Probably most on this forum don’t know the artist or the song I am talking about.

I respect the fact that everyone has their own idea of the perfect classic car. Some people wildly modify it from how it was originally built, some want a day two restoration with maybe aftermarket wheels, a steering mounted tachometer and fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror. While others keep an original set of 40-50 year old tires on and do not drive their cars. I think you should do what ever makes you happy and not worry about what the other guy likes.  Do what ever floats your boat. If someone puts their hard earned money and spare time into doing what they enjoy, more power to them.

I took a very original 1980 TA with only 6600 original miles, pulled a perfectly good running engine and replaced it with a built up engine. Many would say I ruined my car. I am sorry if anyone feels that way but I have no regrets. I do feel as time passes that the more original a car is kept, the more desirable it will become. Also it will be nice for future generations to see something 100% original.

Compared to many on TAC I am just a short timer, joining in early 2020. So I don’t know what TAC was like in the good old days. There have been periods in the last few years when sometimes days would pass with little to no posts with only a handful of members participating. One of those was Ben Wallington who posted almost daily. With very detailed information that is very helpful to someone who’s trying to accurately restore their car. Maybe some of the post weren’t helpful to everyone but others likely saved many of us from wasting our time and money. Like the side view mirrors. I appreciate Ben’s detailed posts and the time he spends giving us good information that isn’t found elsewhere. Also thanks to others who make the effort to keep TAC interesting.

[Wallington]

For what it's worth, a lot of what I post for detail also doesn't matter to me. But I post it anyway, it may be of interest to others and create discussion. Progress is slow on anything on the car that matters so I tend to start looking at little pieces and wonder how they can be more interesting. Otherwise the next thing anyone knows is that future reproductions and spare parts are copied off today's reproductions, all photos displaying proof of history are AI and no one knows anything, except that if it's not of interest, wander back to the lobby.

[N PRGRES]

Doesn't hurt to know, can't run forums from just the gossip pages. Clearly these posts are for guys that aren't you. That is clear from every post you take exception to that someone has gone to a lot of effort and expense to provide others with free information that doesn't interest you. That's fine, you don't have to be interested. If you had to pay silly money to keep shipping parts from overseas you'd possibly take half a moment to select the most correct version of it, half the time the parts that arrive are not even of use to those that don't care. Appreciate the fact it's so cheap to not care, enjoy your car. Let others enjoy learning about theirs, if they choose to.

Hey I don't care if you want numbers matching door stikers, whatever floats your boat.  Shipping overseas would be a pain I suppose but since I don't know where you are, I can only assume its not a fun experience.  You say you want the "most correct version" of the car, that's fine but there is no true correct version.  These cars were tossed together with whatever was available, just because one part is "correct" doesn't mean that's what it came with. 

On a side note, I do honestly respect the amount of info you come up with and you do have interesting info.  What I have issue with (and I get caught up in this as well) is trying to get the car perfect then not out enjoying it.  Cars are meant to be driven, not just sitting in a garage awaiting the perfect part till its complete.

[Wallington]

Nothing perfect about my car. I ran out of money to complete it, anywhere to store it or any use for owning it now, it's worth nothing as parts, so it sits. Isn't a matching number or original anything on it.

[N PRGRES]

Nothing perfect about my car. I ran out of money to complete it, anywhere to store it or any use for owning it now, it's worth nothing as parts, so it sits. Isn't a matching number or original anything on it.

Where are you located?

[TA301]

This is the striker type on my 1981 TA.

[Wallington]

Well and truly been striked. Collar long gone and door latch working away at what's left. Perfect candidate for a new set, and possibly rebuilt door hinges. You can see where the door latch is hitting it and lifting it over. Probably a lot of wear on door latch too, never seen a collar missing from wear. Must be bashing about and rattling too with half the diameter in the door latch.

Can you tell what's stamped in the end under the paint? Could be an 0, perhaps from 1980 production. Some even say 1980 in full.

[TA301]

I can't tell what's stamped as it is well worn. Indeed, the striker must be replaced and the sagging door hinges replaced as well. I will check the passenger side and take a picture of it too.

[Wallington]

Old thread, but had a few typos in saved pics and timeline.

Approx 71-75 used the shortest #8770193. 70 used a different superseded number and not bothered to look it up.

76-79 used #20038395 which was half a shim longer than #8770193. Plated pics showing 1978 head stamping are #20038395.

79/80-81 used #20151275 which was a full shim longer than #20038395. Some production #20151275 show 1980 head stamping, some just a letter or number. TA301's striker on his 81 appears to have just the 0. Could be year produced, could be just an 0.

Replacements Parts call for #20151275 to replace all previous years, obviously manual is also incorrect and that part number didn't even exist prior, nor was it the same.

You can add shim washers, you can't remove them when not used. Reproductions are often copied off the model prior to #8770193 so short and with allen key hex-head, shim washers likely for many models using later year strikers.

The common type shown by silver plated CHQ above is therefore 1.5 shim washers shorter than the standard #20151275, which sometimes still got a washer, as per TA301's pic which shows the full shim washer behind dome backing washer. There is another GM shim washer half as thick as this one, more a HD mudguard washer.

[TA301]

I will post a picture of the RH door striker later today. The LH must be replaced obviously. Wallington, do you know if #20151275 was used on what other GM models and divisions?

[Wallington]

So many. It was the standard one during the early 80s, replacing all prior. The same as 20151274 but minus the collar. Think I posted above, the strikers got longer and longer, by thickness of washer each time.

[FormTA]

Crazy how repop companies can't just copy these correctly... Seems like an easy one and lots of these cars need them replaced.

[Wallington]

They do offer 'correct length' strikers in repro. They aren't plated the original colour, don't have the collar and use an Allen key instead of torx, but work. Original was also painted over.

Many of the regular strikers, genuine GM or aftermarket, keep getting longer with each update. Even the 1981 F strikers were 2 sizes longer than what 70 started with. That's all good, but you can add spacer washers, you can't take them away. Of course, that can work in your favour, if you somehow need extra spacers, you can simply use a longer striker and less spacers. So many options, so boring.

[FormTA]

It's annoying.  It'd be nice if they listed, striker "A" for years 19xx-19xx. And striker "B" forxx-xx.

I just remembered having a really difficult time finding ones that looked good and didn't bang into the door latch because they were too long. IIRC, I ended up scrounging up some OK originals and painting them. I'll have to search again when I get back to working on my 79 Formula.  And I'll have to try to remember this, again....

[Wallington]

While I no longer endorse FC for purchases, I can still use their links to show an item I've previously purchased. These strikers are the same length as the intermediate years, forgot they have the collar, allen key head. I think they are by Classic Headquarters, likely repackaged under several names, perhaps Muscle Car Industries also. Aaah yes, mentioned a few times above as CHQ and shown in first post with silver plating and hex.

Handy little write-up at the end with GM numbers, yet haven't replied to the last 20 emails. Feel free to use my info and pics. The part number they are actually closest to in length was 20038395, yet not listed. None were originally hex-head, that ended in the late 60's when GM came up with the Torx fitting. The wording makes it sound like this is a correct original feature, misleading to those that care. Those that don't care, still don't care.

https://www.firebirdcentral.com/1967_1981_Firebird_Door_Latch_Lock_Striker_p/dwn-66.htm

As mentioned, above, my use of early part number 8990193 and 20038395 were basically the same striker, but slightest variation when compared due to a change in manufacturing techniques and number update at same time. Often I mislabeled and grouped together, most wouldn't see a change.

[TA301]

RH striker. Also has -O- stamped.

[Wallington]

20151275

[TA301]

The late 80s early 90s GM pickup trucks have the same striker sans the collar.

[Wallington]

Yup, 20151274 was a common one, and possibly another a step.longer. Probably got renumbered a few times too.

[Wallington]

https://www.firebirdnation.com/attachments/nos-gm-door-striker-20151275-3-jpg.246640/

https://www.firebirdnation.com/attachments/nos-gm-door-striker-20151275-1-jpg.246638/

https://www.firebirdnation.com/attachments/nos-gm-door-striker-20151275-2-jpg.246639/

[TA301]

The strikers were body color painted, correct?

[Wallington]

Yes, installed prior to paint.

[TA301]

I bought these last week to replace the shot driver's side and the OK passenger side.

[Wallington]

Should be ok, just a superseded number for the 20151274 version. No collar, not sure if torx or Allen key, and black.

[TA301]

I received the strikers but I am disappointed. The listing pictures GM packaging yet it came to me in a generic nylon bag. Also, has no collar like you pointed. It has the Torx head. Now I am wondering if it genuine GM. The seller would not accept my offer of $60 so I ended up buying it anyway as I thought it is real GM. What do you think?

[TA301]

This is what I received. Question becomes is it worth spending $72 for a pair of these GM ones or $25 for reproduction?

[Wallington]

Depends what you're after. Good chance half of the recent GM spares for classics are repackaged from Taiwan etc anyway, along with half those that list as GM with a logo or bag in ad then supply separately. They are a more modern version anyway, like late 80s. The repros often don't have the collar or dont have the Torx, often a fraction long as using 2-3 versions to replace 15.

[TA301]

Depends what you're after. Good chance half of the recent GM spares for classics are repackaged from Taiwan etc anyway, along with half those that list as GM with a logo or bag in ad then supply separately. They are a more modern version anyway, like late 80s. The repros often don't have the collar or dont have the Torx, often a fraction long as using 2-3 versions to replace 15.

That is how it was sent to me as well. I doubt it is original GM because of that. I could be wrong but $72 and change does not justify the doubt. I returned them today and bought the ones from Ames. It has the collar and hex head for $48.96 shipped and tax included. Was the collar installed to forgive minute door sag and ease the latch to roll up and into place?

[Wallington]

Many are not really even reproductions, just cheap replacement parts that were common on many if you combine the variations into a one-size-mostly fits all. Paying extra doesn't necessarily get a better quality part since they often can't even identify the supplier. It could be the same as hanging on a rack under Dorman label.

[TA301]

Received the Ames sourced strikers. Next is paint them black. I will install them once i fix the sagging door.