41 pickup driver door not locking

[Mike Moss]

I'm a newbe, just bought a 41 pickup and the driver door doesn't lock. If I push the handle forward it locks , but if you try opening the door from the outside several times it will open. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Mike

 

[Lawson Cox]

Driver's doors generally do not lock from the outside on early Fords. If it is locked, from the inside, and you can jiggle the handle several times and it opens, chances are the locking mechanisms are worn. I would try to find a new one. Shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Cecil/WV]

If you can't find a good used lock, I put new ones on my '40 from Bob drake and they work fine.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

When you push the handle forward does it snap into the detent??, the spring could be broke, or the notch worn and not keeping it in the locked position.

The springs, and latches, and inside assemblys are common on e bay, and not that much $$ for NOS --except for open cars.

Lock it and watch the inside handle, if it moves to unlocked when you move the outside handle take the door panel off and look at the spring/ detent where it inside handle attaches (the inside part is the same for many years, my 36 has the same one my 46 had)

 

[Mike Moss]

Thanks for all the input. I was able to remove the latch and lock assembly, and found the spring for the lock was not giving enough tension. By bending the spring a little the door now locks, and the handle snaps into the lock position. Happy Thanksgiving All.

Mike