Door latch spring replacement
- Thread starter 4RD289mT
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woodiewagon46
BANNED
I did the same job on my '46 Station Wagon. The small metal tabs can be bent open enough to allow the spring to be removed and a new spring installed. I used an old screwdriver sharpened to a sharp chisel point and worked my way up to a thicker screwdriver. Once the new spring is in place you can use a vise grips or pliers to close them. You might need a couple of needle nose pliers to install the spring.
Kube
Super Moderator
Post #2 is pretty much spot on. I will add though, he got lucky bending those tabs straight and then back over without breaking them.
I have done this task more times than I'm able to recall. I strongly suggest you get the little tab(s) red hot, bend it (them) as needed. Replace the springs red hot, bend them back over.
I have done this task more times than I'm able to recall. I strongly suggest you get the little tab(s) red hot, bend it (them) as needed. Replace the springs red hot, bend them back over.
J Franklin
Well-known member
If those are your latches, what is wrong with the existing springs?
19Fordy
Well-known member
Follow Kube's advice as most of the time those little tabs will break when bent.
Even if you are lucky enough that they don't visibly break when reinstalling the spring, they will most likely develop a hairline fracture crack that you can't see and break off later on.
As I recall, on my 40, I either silver soldered or brazed rebent tabs in place. That was 40 years ago. No problems yet.
Even if you are lucky enough that they don't visibly break when reinstalling the spring, they will most likely develop a hairline fracture crack that you can't see and break off later on.
As I recall, on my 40, I either silver soldered or brazed rebent tabs in place. That was 40 years ago. No problems yet.
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deuce_roadster
Well-known member
I always anneal the parts you need to bend to replace springs in latches and winders. I use the smallest Oxy/act tip I have and keep the heat on the part you need to bend as short as possible. Like Kube said, just red is enough. Bending any metal back and forth work hardens it and that is why it breaks. Annealed metal will bend within reason without cracking.
supereal
Well-known member
C&G has the latch parts you need. (800-266-0470) They have both springs for your latch
11A702267, lower, and 11A702267-A, upper. You should also order the spring clips B702269, as well. Door latches take a real beating in older cars, and are a real challenge to repair because some of the tabs are prone to breakage when bent and repositioned.
11A702267, lower, and 11A702267-A, upper. You should also order the spring clips B702269, as well. Door latches take a real beating in older cars, and are a real challenge to repair because some of the tabs are prone to breakage when bent and repositioned.