Can't open door!

BILLF/TRF

Senior Member
I have somehow managed to get my '36 coupe drivers side door locked and cannot open it with either the inside or outside handles! I have taken off the inside door handle and window handle, have the garnish molding off and the top part of the panel loose but cannot figure out how the lock works? I think something in the mechanism is jammed in the lock position, but am not sure. Does anyone have a diagram of how the lock mechanism works or some advice on what to "push or pull" on? thanks!
 
YOU MIGHT CHANGE YOUR PROFILE TO INCLUDE YOUR LOCATION. mAYBE SOMEBODY LOCAL CAN STOP BY AND HELP YOU.

WHEN YOU LIFT THE INSIDE HANDLE DOES THE ARM MOVE TO THE "LOCK" POSITION? IT SHOULD THEN PUSH IT OUT OF LOCK WHEN YOU MOVE THE HANDLE DOWN. tOO MUCH FREE PLAY COULD BE PREVENTING THE RELEASE OR THE DOG EAR MAY BE SHEARED OFF.
 
Here is an update on the door that won't open. I ended up prying on the latch to pop open the door so I could remove the screws holding the lock to the door. I then cut off the outside handle and the lock came out. It looks like the bar from the inside handle into the lock was pulled past it's stop ( worn down) and that got everything jammed up. I hammered it back but that worn stop will probably fail again unless it could be built up with weld? The sliding parts and rivets are very worn and that is probably the reason the inside handle was so loose. I am first going to look for a replacement lock but am afraid no one is making them. Anyone have suggestions on a source of an NOS or good condition drivers side lock for a '36 coupe? Thanks, Bill
 
Thanks for the advice but Drake seems to prefer to make parts for '37 cars and newer. Mac's does not have any either. According to some old parts guys, none are being made. I'll have to go on the swap site and see if I can get lucky!
 
Thanks for the advice but Drake seems to prefer to make parts for '37 cars and newer. Mac's does not have any either. According to some old parts guys, none are being made. I'll have to go on the swap site and see if I can get lucky!
Try Stacy Brown in TX. 1-817-2752381 ken ct.:)
 
Why did you have to cut the outside handle? They're simple enough to take out.

My passenger side latch was worn out. I could only open it from the inside sometimes. Big problem when you lock up the car!
 
In response to Django, I had to cut the handle off because the outside door handle shaft is square but has a rounded section near the end. You have to pull the handle out as you turn it to get it through the lock opening. Therein lies the problem, I couldn't turn the handle--it was jammed!

Also, neither Stacy Brown or Baxter have them, thanks.
 
Until you can find replacement parts,braze up the worn ones and file to shape. That will last for about 50 years and you should be able to find new ones in that time.
 
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