47 outer door handle sagging

a new latch sometimes is cheaper than springs, troll ebay, i got new latches for my 36 for 35$ shipped,
the square hole gets worn, one of the fixes was to twist the square shaft of the handle
 
You can just twist it upwards by hand until it sits level when you release it. I did it with mine over 30 years ago.
 
I replaced the latch mechanism to repair a droopy handle on my 1937 car. Originally, i planned to replace the spring in the latch mechanism, but I found the whole latch and it was easy to change.
 
Do not try to bend the stem of the handle to correct the sag. Fix it the correct way and replace the spring. Springs are available and it's a fairly easy replacement.
 
69a said:
You can just twist it upwards by hand until it sits level when you release it. I did it with mine over 30 years ago.
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woodiewagon46 said:
Do not try to bend the stem of the handle to correct the sag. Fix it the correct way and replace the spring. Springs are available and it's a fairly easy replacement.
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I understand now that the problem is in the latch mechanism. I would happily replace the entire mechanism but there are no such latches available anywhere that I could find. As I study the mechanism, it is not made so that the handle spring can be accessed and replaced by any non-destructive action. (The main latch spring is readily replaceable and I've done that before.) Neither have I found whatever spring would go in there if I were to cut into the thing. [Correction. Dennis Carpenter has it. I'll order it and see if I can figure out how to put it in.]
 
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The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!
 
Welcome back Professor.
Take the latch with you to Ace hardware, or Lowes, or Home Depot and try to match it.
Once you have the new spring you can see how to heat the tabs and bend them up to access the broken spring. Slowly and carefully. It has been done.




Bruce
 
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mcgarrett said:
The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!
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Now that right there is the kind of help that is really helpful. Thanks.
 
 
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Graig , welcome back, we have missed you and your travels,
Lawrie
 

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petehoovie said:
Glad 'Old Henry' is still being cared for. Welcome back, Craig!

There's an original right/passenger side front door latch assembly for sale on eBay right now. See > https://www.ebay.com/itm/155257436873?hash=item2426107ac9:g:90kAAOSwVk1jcre-&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsAwFtBjGLmCMnqZ%2BtM0ycCgDwL6dvTI1xB%2F3pagC0pVSoj1vL8oNNdWetI2MZGkUouGzFg5I68NBCTm%2FUP4YboQIv67SZHc8S%2FnD3k%2Bo1%2F0cEWHT7cjnTd30yLfA5O5foXLNb4O8Sg2ycJnWVdZeVIY%2F389o11A6oorbVhQXweBofTB38QdGnaUhSRZkC5rmUCRDRxVRh6Jx0dkMzKXOfIJkTh0lZsdTzUos14Kc%2BTxg%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-qrkMS9YQ
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Yeah, I found a lot of every latch except the driver's door that I need. Darn.

Returned from 18 month mission to Hong Kong in February. Getting ready to go on another to parts unknown. Just got Old Henry out of the body shop where he'd been for 3 months for repair after hitting a deer on a lonely road in Wyoming on a road trip in October. Heading out for a multiday road trip through the Colorado Rockies next week. Glad I've got the newfangled fresh air heater to keep little Lady (15 year old Chihuahua) and me warm.
 
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I used to have a 46, I think there’s a latch in the box of excess 36 closed car latches , I should be going out to my shop by the weekend, I’ll look.
 
Old Henry said:
Yeah, I found a lot of every latch except the driver's door that I need. Darn.

Returned from 18 month mission to Hong Kong in February. Getting ready to go on another to parts unknown. Just got Old Henry out of the body shop where he'd been for 3 months for repair after hitting a deer on a lonely road in Wyoming on a road trip in October. Heading out for a multiday road trip through the Colorado Rockies next week. Glad I've got the newfangled fresh air heater to keep little Lady (15 year old Chihuahua) and me warm.
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Try Southside Obsolete in MN.Fred might have one.
 
Craig good to see you post, are you planning to record the Rockies trip?. After watching your Arches National park video it inspired me to see Grand Canyon and Arches before the pandemic.
 
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