Nice to see someone taking the time to do such an extensive restoration.

This is an 52 dodge i do have a bearclaw video on a advanced design chevy truck kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z5ZlqpVjrsualn0.html check it out. on the chevys the latch plate needs to be set out slightly towards rear of truck to allow for the window channel . Basically the outside of the latch needs to set flush with the outer skin of the door latch area and the latch panel on top of both. Or you can notch the window guide like was done in this video

Is it the Latch that makes the door hard to close? Could you use something like a Late Model Chevy Latches and install it into lets say a 80's K10?

is your truck a push button door handle ??????