1937 inside door handle hard to turn

4

4dy

Member
It opens great from the outside but inside it is VERY hard to turn. I probably need to remove the door panel and check it out. It is 100% original and the panels have probably never been off. What is the best way to remove them without damage? Any tips on lubing the workings? thanks!
 
My inside door handles were hard to move when I first got my car (it sat for about 50 years), but as time went by they got easier.
 
Your handles are held on to a square sided shaft with a cotter pin. If you have the spring loaded escutchions, compress it and reach behind and remove pin. I use a putty knife to remove panels. I slide it in as far as it will go and gently work the retainer clips out of the panel in the inner door. These clips might be rusted and patience is required to get them out without doing damage to the door panel.
I have had this condition on one of my doors. I just reach out the door and use both to open. Mine has not gotten any better in two and half years. Good luck with the project.
 
First squirt some WD-40 or similar into the latch area from the door end.
That should do the trick.
Chris.NZ.
 
You can purchase a tool that will remove the door panel clips without damage to the panel. Most auto parts stores carry the tool. Get some Lock-Ease at your local hardware store. Get the spray can with the plastic tube. Squirt some into the latch from the door jamb side. It's graphite and oil and works much better than WD-40 because it's specifically for locks and latches.
 
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