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Old 01-22-2020, 03:43 PM   #1
Flathead Noob
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Default 1950 F1 door won't open...

The truck is new to me. I've opened the passenger door many times until today. I've never locked it, but tried the key everywhich way to no avail. Drivers door only opens from inside. The passenger handle pulls out almost an inch. Assembly inside disconnected? Whats the secret?


Thank you for your help!
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Old 01-22-2020, 05:05 PM   #2
TJ
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Sounds to me like the latches are worn out where the handle shaft passes into the latch,
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Old 01-22-2020, 09:41 PM   #3
alanwoodieman
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

push in on the outside handle and pull down at same time
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:05 AM   #4
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

The door can be locked from the inside by pulling the handle up into a detent. It also can be locked with the key.

They are independent and locking with the latch can not be opened with the key.
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:17 AM   #5
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

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Originally Posted by Scotty's 52 F3 View Post
The door can be locked from the inside by pulling the handle up into a detent. It also can be locked with the key.

They are independent and locking with the latch can not be opened with the key.
I think Scotty's onto something... He's describing what goes on with my 35 passenger car.

You might try a broom handle from the drivers side in the wing window to tap the passenger side handle down?
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:11 AM   #6
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

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The latches are probably also pretty worn out. Saggy handles?

I take them apart and rebuild them. I think there are also repops available now.
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Old 01-23-2020, 03:51 AM   #7
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Sounds like two separate issues.

The DS likely is just worn. The entire latching mechanism can be removed. The escutcheon rings around the inside handle need to be compressed for access to the pin holding it to the mechanism post. The pin can be pushed out with a punch. Be certain to find the pin as there are indents that can mislead. The pins shouldn't need more than a few taps to move.

The inner door inspection panel needs to be removed. I have found it necessary to remove the glass from the regulator and the door. In my experience, the latch mechanism can't be retracted without this step. Your results may vary.

There are screws in the inner door by the handle and by the latch - remove these. There is also a screw holding the outer handle in place. Locate it by the striker on the edge of the door. Comparing your doors likely will show that this screw on the PS is missing. This would be a cause for the handle movement described.

Once all the attachment screws are removed, the entire latch assembly can be removed from the door through the inspection panel opening.

The typical wear points are the shaft opening (it wallows out of square) and the inner latch/locking contact points. Opening the cover to the inner latch is part of the issue. The tabs holding the whole business together will crack off without much effort. Repair of the inner latch/lock has been done by smarter folk than me. Welding and JB Weld are both approaches with success.

There are also repops that fit and work from Midwest Early Ford. Ultimately, replacements were my solution.

https://midwestearlyford.com/
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Last edited by FortyNiner; 01-23-2020 at 09:47 AM.
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Old 01-23-2020, 09:31 AM   #8
Flathead Noob
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Thanks everyone!



I still need to get in the cab. Windows are up, wing windows locked. All the glass is good except passenger wing window.

Do I break in? Are there slim jim options?
I'll keep at it today and see what I can think of.


Thanks again! This forum and its members are great.
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Old 01-23-2020, 09:51 AM   #9
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

The least damaging solution would be to cut away the rear window seal. The window mounts from the inside so cutting from the outside would let you carefully push it in. A new seal is less expensive than messing with the vent glass. Good luck.
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Old 01-23-2020, 10:13 AM   #10
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

You might be able to just push in the rear window, depending on how old/pliable the seal is.
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Old 01-23-2020, 10:24 AM   #11
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

How about the old coat hanger trick?
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:06 PM   #12
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

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Originally Posted by tubman View Post
How about the old coat hanger trick?
The window can't be pulled away from the track/frame as with newer models.
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Old 01-23-2020, 12:54 PM   #13
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

There goes my career as a car thief!
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Old 01-23-2020, 02:09 PM   #14
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Do you have any holes in the firewall near the floorboards? If so, a piece of bailing wire (for pulling) or a 1/4 inch dowel ( for pushing) might do the trick. Good luck.
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Old 01-24-2020, 08:33 AM   #15
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Scotty's advice on the door latch is right on. But he also told me it takes all day to do the R&R on one latch. That's if you have the skills, parts and patience.
As for getting in the vehicle. As a teenager "I heard" that a putty knife or knife blade could be slipped past the wind wing glass and sometimes that little "button" lock did not click into lock position as it should and the wind wing latch could be slid up.
Now this is all hearsay of course. Caution, always carry a band aid when using a knife blade. Chap
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Old 01-24-2020, 01:20 PM   #16
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Many years ago I was locked out of my 32 Tudor.. I wound up geting a coat hanger un bent and went up through the floor board area and managed to hook on to the inside door handle and pulled it down and got in that way. Just a suggestion . Good luck Kerk
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Old 01-24-2020, 06:27 PM   #17
Flathead Noob
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

I had to sacrifice the cracked wing window. Widows rolled down now to prevent locking myself out again.


Thanks for all the suggestions!
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Old 01-28-2020, 01:17 AM   #18
49r
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

A while ago my young son managed to lock both doors on my F1 by putting both inside door opening handles up in the lock position, then shutting both doors. After no luck getting in, I called the AA (Automobile Association). These guys can usually get into a vehicle in a few minutes. Eventually after an hour of no success the guy bent a table knife, managing to get under the quarter window rubber on the drivers side (RH drive) and push the latch up. Since I've always double checked before shutting the doors ...
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Old 01-28-2020, 12:01 PM   #19
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Default Re: 1950 F1 door won't open...

Quote:
Originally Posted by 49r View Post
A while ago my young son managed to lock both doors on my F1 by putting both inside door opening handles up in the lock position, then shutting both doors.
I'm surprised this was able to happen. On my cars, closing the door will release the lock. When the latch bolt is pushed in, as it does when it contacts the strike plate, it pushes the interior handle into the unlocked position.
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