1940 coupe sagging door handles

What I did was remove door and window handles, then the door panel and then the door latch itself. Then carefully opened up the latch mechanism and installed a new spring. I then reassembled the latch. It's a tedious process. I know there are other methods such as literally twisting the square rod that the handle fits onto. Drake has new springs.Read all the following and put an ad in Wanted section.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=9740820
Check Ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ch.TRS0&_nkw=1940+ford+door+latch&_sacat=6000
 
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I just went through this on the 48. I replaced both springs in the drivers door latch, still have the passenger door to do. The handle was sagging down over half way, now it is up where it should be. There is a very small amount of slack or play due to the latch wear over the years. Others on this site didn't recommend twisting the shaft.
 
Darrell S said:
I just went through this on the 48. I replaced both springs in the drivers door latch, still have the passenger door to do. The handle was sagging down over half way, now it is up where it should be. There is a very small amount of slack or play due to the latch wear over the years. Others on this site didn't recommend twisting the shaft.
Click to expand...

Twisting the shaft does not solve the weak spring problem. Eventually the spring will break
 
If the spring was good, the latch really makes a sharp snapping noise when shutting the door. I always took the latch apart and welded up all the wear spots and usually the square hole where the handle shaft passed through the latch; I would weld the hole square again to eliminate the drooping handle.
 
19Fordy said:
What I did was remove door and window handles, then the door panel and then the door latch itself. Then carefully opened up the latch mechanism and installed a new spring. I then reassembled the latch. It's a tedious process. I know there are other methods such as literally twisting the square rod that the handle fits onto. Drake has new springs.Read all the following and put an ad in Wanted section.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=9740820
Check Ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ch.TRS0&_nkw=1940+ford+door+latch&_sacat=6000
Click to expand...

This is very good advice. I would add that when you have the door panel removed, replace the spring in the remote (by the inside door handle) as well.
 
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