40 Ford door lock

[Fourdy]

Someone, somewhere posted on the problem of the lock not staying locked. I set the lock from the inside but if you move the outside driver handle it comes unlocked. I have studied this at great length but can't see how it can stay locked if by turning the door handle to set the lock, it moves a spring up on the ramp and thereby slips back out of lock. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Fourdy

 

[Kurt in NJ]

Try unscrewing it and pushing the rod to see if the problem is in the lock, or perhaps it is just an adjustment (there are slots under the screws)

The bump on the ramp can be worn and not holding.

Maybe it is for the other side.

 

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Fourdy, I have the same problem with my 40 coupe right hand door. It always worked fine untill one day this summer I closed the door and it wouldn't latch. I figured some spring broke inside. If I hold the inside handle up in lock position and close the door it latches. In Mac's book they show 2 differant springs for the 40 SO, I ordered both of them. My car is put up for the winter, as soon as I have time I'm going to take the panel off and see if I can fix it. Walt

 

[Fourdy]

Kurt,
I think you are saying that there should be a notch or bump to keep the handle in the lock position? Wrong side is interesting. Maybe I will have to step up to the plate and take the passenger door apart to see.

Maybe someone has a pair out of the door that they could take a look for us?

Thanks,

Fourdy

 

[TerryOH]

the photo posted shows the spring that holds the door handle as well as the latch mech in the lock position. make sure the spring shown holds the handle in the lock position and does not come out of lock when the outside handle is moved. If the handle moves then the spring or the detent for it is bad. Also take the door panel off and lube the mech.

 

[fourtydlx]

Mine did the same thing,check the lock it self for broken springs.

 

[19Fordy]

This may be "way off" but could the problem be in the door latch itself? I remember when my outside 40 door handle "dropped" downward I had to remove, take apart and repair the big door latch mechanism.

 

[Fourdy]

Okay - - -
I rebuilt the lock mechanisms with all new springs. The outside handle stays horizontal and works perfectly.

Pic1 shows the driver door mechanism in the lock position. It stays in this position even while jiggling the outside handle.

Pic2 shows lock in unlocked position.

Pic3 shows the handle mechanism in what would be the lock position. Notice that it is on the high side of the ramp and when you let the handle go it is easily slid back down the ramp, unlocking the door. There is no notch at the lock location to keep it in place.

Pic4 is showing the same handle mechanism and would stay locked but would only work on the passenger side to keep it locked.

The passenger door at this time works perfectly at this time.

It seems to me that there must be a right and left side to make things work and I may have two passenger door mechanisms.

My continuing thanks,

Fourdy

 

[DICK SPADARO]

The door lock in the door and the interior door lock are independent from each other. One locks the door from the outside to keep you out, the other locks the door from the inside to keep you in. The exterior door lock trips a tumbler shaft that blocks the handle from moving to outside lock the door. When inside the car for security, the inside door opener handles are rotated to the lock position and this pushes the control rod link rearward blocking the latch plunger strap from moving forward and opening off the door striker.
As you have determined there are L and R door latch controllers. If your control rods have been swapped or lost and you have to determine the side, remember the handle points downward and the handle pushes forward to open. When the handle is pulled rearward the "s" spring should lock into a low point in the handle control to form the lock hold, if it just slides up a ramp it is for the opposite side.

 

[Fourdy]

Dick,
I have not taken the passenger door panel off to look at that side but as I said, it locks both from the inside and outside properly. I must have come up with two passenger side arms. Ironically, I think I had more arms to choose from but just picked out the best two. Have since gotten rid of the others.

I was not able to find one in your catalog. Do you carry one or have any used arms for sale.

Anyone else have an extra driver side you would be willing to sell?

Thanks to you all,

Fourdy

 

[Fourdy]

Re: FIXED - 40 Ford door lock

Pics show why lock would not stay in position on the ramp. Took the unit apart and filed a notch in the ramp for the spring, put it back together and wa-lah, everything works perfectly.

Locks both from the inside and outside. rocking the outside handle does not release the lock.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Fourdy