1939 Station Wagon Door Latch

Woody Way Randy

Woody Way Randy

Junior Member
I need some help !! I have a 1939 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon. The forward right hand passenger door latch is completely frozen with the door shut. It was working fine a few weeks ago. I am certain that one or both latches springs have broken. I have been told that the replacement springs available on the market for the 1939 passenger cars will NOT fit on the station wagon door latch. Is that in fact true ? If so, any ideas what would be my best options ? The wife is tried of crawling thru the passenger door window ……………Thanks !!
 
Hmmm... methinks the spring, although possibly broken, is not why the latch is "frozen". I'm guessing a piece of the broken spring fell into the latch and has jammed it.
I'm trying my best to figure out how you can get at the latch with the door closed. Thus far, I can't think of a thing.

Springs are different than passenger cars. Once you have the latch removed and disassembled, perhaps you can find something similar.
Man oh man, this one stinks.
 
With helpers, try removing the hinge pins and the door from the hinge side. Once the latch is out and if the problem is indeed a broken spring, then remove the latch from the other side to compare springs to. I have found that the 1931-32 spring is used (or close enough) on several other applications (1935-37 pickup, 1940 trunk latch, etc.). Take good photos with a ruler for reference and email to the various venders.
 
I have three 39 woodies . I don't think removing the front hinge pins will
work as the lower hinge captures the door hinge and won't let the front of the
door come free . The latch will not allow someone to pry the tongue back into
the latch with a screw driver .

My only thought would be to open the rear door , remove the B pillar and then
access and remove the latch . I may have an extra latch if yours is not repairable .
 
Sorry , Mick here , I just looked again at the problem . Unfortunately the
B pillar idea won't work either if you have the original seat back which is attached
to the B pillar with screws ( and covered by the back of the door ) . I'll keep
thinking ....
 
Many thanks to everyone for your help. Really appreciate it. I can see the latch engaged with the striker plate. I am hoping I can get a small screw driver and move the latch away from the plate. This is turning into a real head scratcher !!!! thanks again……
 
Karl, many thanks !! I did hear back from C&G Ford Parts. They know of no one who makes reproduction latch springs for staton wagon latches. …………. Great. Will take your suggestions. Thanks
 
It's been a long time since I refurbished those in my 35, but I seem to recall that the springs were colorcoded... and mine were yellow... this might be me suffering from OLD but maybe Mick can add something here. If it turns out that they are indeed color coded then your search may be a bit easier.
 
Michael, many thanks for the information. Hold on to that extra latch …….I may need it. Keep thinking ……LOL. i wonder how hard it would be to fabricate these unique latch springs. This thing is taking on a life of its own ………..
 
I have never seen an OEM spring color coded, however there were several aftermarket "kits" which did have color coded springs to fit many different makes and years.

There is a company in Pennsylvania that was able to quote me on 1940 trunk hinge springs so they have the knowledge to do them, but at COST!. If you want to try them pm me for info. To make them you would need a supply of the "right" alloy steel, a mandrel or lathe setup, any dies or presses for secondary bends, and the ability to heat treat and temper after forming. Possible, yes. Practical, unlikely.
 
Believe it or not, I got the door OPEN !!! By God, prayer does work. I was able to get a very small screw driver inside the door jam and was able to move the tongue just enough away from the striker plate. Now to the latch and find out what’s happening inside and start trying to find some latch springs that fit. The chase is on ………..
 
Karl, thanks for the info. Will see how desperate I get before I contact that company in PA. i just can’t believe I am the only one with a station wagon that has this latch issue. Thanks again.
 
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