1940 four door passenger latch

[Thomas Sargent]

I have a worn-out passenger door latch on my 40 four door. Looks like to remove, the door lock cylinder should come out first to get the square shaft out of the latch assy. But the set screw that holds the lock cylinder in place has a broken off head. Since the square shaft that connects to the back of the lock cylinder and goes into the latch housing will move sideways, and detach, is it possible to remove the latch assy. without removing the lock cylinder and shaft? Just unscrew the latch assy and slide forward? Need some feedback on this idea. Thanks

 

[Thomas Sargent]

Left this out of my post above, I purchased a new door handle from Drake, but the square shaft from the handle that goes into the door latch was about 3/8" short. Was about 3" and needed to be about 3/8" longer to enter the latch. Drake was no help, said closed cars were all the same and this one was correct. anyone else run into this also? THanks

 

[Kube]

Thomas,
the authentic setscrew for the lock cylinder had a slotted end. So, it may very well be the authentic screw you have there and it only appears to be broken off.
That screw can often be a real bas--- to remove but it must be removed to remove the latch assembly.
All door handle shafts are not the same length.
Your handle should have a 3.2" shaft. Tudor sedans utilized a 2.8" shaft.

 

[The Art Doctor]

The latch on a '40 coupe door I have was removed by a previous owner of the door without removing the lock cylinder. The connecting shaft is still there sticking out the back of the lock cylinder. As with yours, the set screw is mangled to the point of ruined. I believe they are hardened steel and not easy to drill and I am afraid to ruin the attachment mechanism of the lock. I have tried to put the latch back in with the shaft properly aligned into its receiver in the latch and have not had any luck doing so. There does not seem to be enough room to squeeze it in there all lined up no matter how I push, pull or turn. But, I know it must be possible as the last guy took it out!

 

[Kube]

The latch on a '40 coupe door I have was removed by a previous owner of the door without removing the lock cylinder. The connecting shaft is still there sticking out the back of the lock cylinder. As with yours, the set screw is mangled to the point of ruined. I believe they are hardened steel and not easy to drill and I am afraid to ruin the attachment mechanism of the lock. I have tried to put the latch back in with the shaft properly aligned into its receiver in the latch and have not had any luck doing so. There does not seem to be enough room to squeeze it in there all lined up no matter how I push, pull or turn. But, I know it must be possible as the last guy took it out!

Not sure how the last guy got the latch out without damaging something.
If you have an authentic lock, there is a small dimple at the very end of its shaft.
Place a stiff wire (heavy paper clip straightened) through the latch, into the end of the lock shaft and with the wire, guide that shaft into the latch.

The original setscrew was much harder than the sheet metal sleeve it was threaded into. I have cut that entire sleeve out of the door and made a replacement when needed during a restoration.
Never fun.