Puttin a key in the drivers door

[ActionYobbo]

So I ordered a kit from ecklers to fit a lock to the drivers door on my 39 truck.
I searched online for a how to or any other posts on fitting the lock but I found nothing. Anyone here done that? Any tips or donts? I am trying to figure out a way to form the lock hole in the ribs on the door.

[marko39]

You might try a “knock out” tool , I have seen electrical workers using them, you need access from both sides.

[Als48]

Yes! My dad was a master electrician and I have a knockout kit that belonged to him. It is a series of various sized, screw driven punches. You drill a pilot hole, then insert the puller screw through that and the die side. Then pull the punch into the die, cutting the hole larger.

Al Hook

[ActionYobbo]

Thanks for the replies. Making the hole is not the problem it’s making the door profile around the lock. I started making a set of dies to form the shape in the door but now I have another problem. I ordered the parts from Mac’s/Ecklers but they list stuff on their site that they don’t have. So they sent me an email a week after placing my order to let me know that they don’t have it and it’s on back order and they will ship it when they get more. I tried finding another one anywhere but no luck everyone is out of stock. So I have a hole in my door and a set of dies mostly finished. Guess I will finish the hole and put a rubber plug in it for now.

Ecklers is now on my list of places to not spend money. If you don’t have it don’t list it as in stock.

[Newc]

Rt hand drive Fords all had their lock in the left door. Right? Newc

[325w]

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A Blair brand hole saw will make a really nice cut. Measure your right make a good diagram pattern. Cut away. What I’m wondering is the right door hole flat are is there a raise edge for the tumbler just thoughts never done this

[ActionYobbo]

You guys seem to be fixated on making a hole. The hole is the easiest thing to do. I was more interested in fitting the lock holder and making the profile in the door rib for the lock so it matched the other side and looks factory.
I don’t have any pictures of my doors handy so here is some pictures I found online showing both doors. The lock is in the center rib and there is a raised circle area around the lock. I was looking for ideas and methods of making that raised circle and how to hold the lock holder in place while I drill the mounting holes

[40coe]

Yea, a die would probably be the best way, you will need a lot of press power, or a bit of hammering. Another suggestion is to cut that portion from a passenger door and TIG weld that in. Best of luck.
Also I gave up on Ecklers years ago for the same reason.

[ford38v8]

Buy a door from an export RHD Ford and be done with it.

[Model51]

I think the door latch mechanism needs some modification or the addition of a few parts so that when the shaft of your new door lock spins, it will flip the locking latch into position. Since the door latch mechanisms aren't reversible there's a RH and LH version. On domestic vehicles only the RH side door latch gets the locking assembly. Just be sure to check this out if it will make any difference in your decision to start this modification or not.

[ActionYobbo]

Originally Posted by Model51

I think the door latch mechanism needs some modification or the addition of a few parts so that when the shaft of your new door lock spins, it will flip the locking latch into position. Since the door latch mechanisms aren't reversible there's a RH and LH version. On domestic vehicles only the RH side door latch gets the locking assembly. Just be sure to check this out if it will make any difference in your decision to start this modification or not.

That’s not exactly correct all parts with the exception of the cover plate are universal. The cover plate is L or R but can be cut and welded either way.
I have done all the research and tracked down the needed parts(except ecklers did the dirty on me). The only part I don’t have is the hole profile.

[Model51]

Looks like you have done all the work needed to figure this out. Hope you can figure out a way to make the hole profile like you want. The person who did the metal work on my truck suggested using fiberglass to build up a small shoulder profile. Maybe try something like that?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ActionYobbo

That’s not exactly correct all parts with the exception of the cover plate are universal. The cover plate is L or R but can be cut and welded either way.
I have done all the research and tracked down the needed parts(except ecklers did the dirty on me). The only part I don’t have is the hole profile.

[ActionYobbo]

My parts arrived today. I will get this fitted this weekend. If I remember to take pictures I will post a how I did it with pictures. Usually when I am working on stuff I totally forget to take pictures.

[38bill]

Originally Posted by Model51

Looks like you have done all the work needed to figure this out. Hope you can figure out a way to make the hole profile like you want. The person who did the metal work on my truck suggested using fiberglass to build up a small shoulder profile. Maybe try something like that?

I used fiberglass filler to make the raised beads around the lower hinges of my pickup doors. Been slamming the door for 24 years and they still look great. Would probably work great for your application too.

[ActionYobbo]

Not off to a good start. Check the pictures. The parts will fit the passengers side but not the drivers side (left). The kit says it’s for a 35-40 open or closed car and I am trying to fit it to a truck.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ActionYobbo

Not off to a good start. Check the pictures. The parts will fit the passengers side but not the drivers side (left). The kit says it’s for a 35-40 open or closed car and I am trying to fit it to a truck.

[rich b]

I think your parts problem revolves around the fact that the passenger door locks were below the handle; while the truck locks were above the handle.

You would need the pieces from a R/H passenger side latch assembly to use on your left side truck latch.

I didn't have a L/H truck latch; but I flipped the picture of a R/H truck latch to illustrate that the parts from a R/H car latch (upside down picture of car latch for comparison) would work to retrofit a L/H truck latch.

[ActionYobbo]

Thanks for the pictures. I now see this kit will fit a car but not a truck. I plan on cutting the cover plate and weld it back together reverse to what it is now (unless someone wants to swap for a right cover plate) and rework the other parts to fit the truck lock and door.

[Vics Stuff]

Are you just wanting to be able to lock or un lock the drivers side door ? If so , I would recommend using a remote electric locking solenoid . Way less work.
Vic