31 slant window outside door handle sag

Pmsqrd

Pmsqrd

Senior Member
Who out there has a fix for sagging slant window outside door handles? Can it be corrected without dis-assembling the doors? If not what can be done if you do have to dis-assemble the doors?

Have not had to deal with this issue on my Victoria or previous slant window.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
 
The door latch springs will need to be replaced . Most model A parts vendors offer door latch spring sets for most different body styles.
 
Purdy,

Thanks for the reply.

Are those springs in the latch mechanism that the handle shaft engages?
 
Not as simple as written and .....likely not the spring
Those latches are really not a good design
There is a slide pin that the plunger works back and forth on when moving in and out
It wears quickly and the internal part needs to be welded up and the slot re-milled
Also the square where the plunger exits the housing wears and needs to be re-sized
Then there is the bigger dilemma that is even harder to fix....
There is a bronze square that the handle actually rides in and makes
The handle attach to the housing. Often that comes loose and will allow the handle to droop as you write. It can get so bad that the latch will not actuate (function) That takes a major disassemble and one needs to have experience.
“Don’t try this at home”!!!!
 
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Blue oval,

Thanks for your detailed explanation . I will investigate further and it looks like a winter project for me.

Regards,


Paul
 
It’s an ordeal in that you have to pull interior etc
If you get it out and I can help let me know ; I’ve done dozens.also John hash does a great job on them and is on your coast
Oldbluoval@gmail.com
 
This fix works very well. The idea came from Dean Larson of Massachusetts, and I did the artwork.
Attach the spring to a convenient place on the door structure.
 

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  • Door Handle Sag Fix Artwork (1).jpg
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The shaft receiving hole can get worn, and sometimes the handle shaft can be twisted slightly with channel locks to correct the sag if not too severe. The free end is placed in a vice and the protruding shaft is twisted VERY GENTLY, often after applying propane torch heat to the soft shaft metal.
 
I agree with what Duke36 has suggested and have fixed many this way. I don't use pliers to make the slight twist I use an 8 inch Cresent wrench.
 
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