Installing outer door handles

[Bonniewwyn]

What is the trick to installing the handles on a '31 sedan ? Handle shaft goes in thru the square hole in latch and works the latch fine but still has another inch to go in. Maybe to engage another plate ? I don't see any square or round hole further in? Do I pull side screws so latch is loose in door ? Or ?

 

[denniskliesen]

You might try turning the handle about 45 degrees or more as you push in on it. Might have to do the same pulling the old handle out. That was how I changed them on my 29 Tudor, 31 might be different.

 

[Bonniewwyn]

I tried that and other angles...no luck.

 

[JOHN CT]

I tried that and other angles...no luck.

I don't know if this helped me but I filed the sides down just a little on the small square at the end. Keep trying you have to find the right combination for it to fall into place. I dreaded replacing door handles. And try not to scratch the paint.

 

[RawhideKid]

I would tie a shop rag around the shank then push it in with a slight turning and that nub will slide into the second hole and bang the handle against the paint. In your case it may take a bit more leaning against it, but it will go. Wiggling it up and down and side to side to get that alignment as the insides may have some lateral wear.

 

[Brace Bailey]

I'm installing new handles in my pickup - I already had the latch out of the door, so it was easy to see how the handle is suppose to insert into the mechanism. (no paint scratching this way either). Like John CT - I had to grind a lot of chrome and copper plating off the square end of the handle before it would go into either hole. You will see the 45 degree turn you have to make too. Only 4 screws to remove, if they are in the mood.
good luck

 

[Model A Nick]

Did you make sure the shaft is the same length as your old one? i ordered 4 new handles and they were about an inch longer than my old ones and they stuck out like yours did

 

[Bonniewwyn]

The shaft length on the new handles matches original nicely. Shaft seems to be running .314" on repros and .316 on henry's. I may cut a hole in the inner door skin so i cann guide the shaft into the rear holes. Any other ideas?

 

[Big hammer]

Don't cut the inner door skin! Take the latch out, on your bench play with the pieces and figure out how it goes together. Even knowing how it goes together, it's still can fight you!

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Don't cut the inner door skin! Take the latch out, on your bench play with the pieces and figure out how it goes together. Even knowing how it goes together, it's still can fight you!

I agree, and while it's out be sure to replace any bad springs, and grease all the moving parts. That makes a big difference in how well the door latches and opens.

 

[1930 coupe]

There is a square hole that does not move behind the part that turns. You must turn the handle all the way, or very close to all the way, like when you open the door to line up the shaft with the square hole. There is a spring on the part that turns that makes it difficult to line things up. Put some oil or grease inside the square hole, then put a small screwdriver or punch in the hole next to the latch to hold it in the open position, so that you are not fighting the spring. Jiggle and push on the handle and when the shaft lines up with the square hole it will fall in. If this does not work remove the latch and check for bent or damaged parts.

 

[billybrower]

New to Model A's. Your pictures saved the day and my patience. Well done

 

[kd4lok]

I tried some time ago to remove the handle on my 31 Coupe for a key remake. Was not successful. May be time to try again and follow this thread closely.

 

[Mustang Guy]

I think the last picture says it all.The punch holding the latch wide open and the small lever, that you can't see while it's in the door , aligns the square holes.Thanks for the pics.