The Ford Barn

48ford · 08-27-2010, 07:45 PM

Hi everyone.
I have a problem with my 46 2 door sedan.
the door handles sag,They are not even with the trim that is running down the side of the car.
It looks like there is a spring that will keep them up,but how do you change it/
Thanks Russ&Irene

Jim Arnold · 08-27-2010, 08:26 PM

These springs are available and can be changed but be very careful when prying open the two prongs that hold the upper spring. It's very easy to break off one of the prongs when getting them open just enough to take out the old spring and replace with a new one. And as in my case the handle still might sag due to wear in the cam and the square hole that holds the handle rod. If the spring is not broken it is probably wear and it may be easier to bend the square handle rod enough to bring the handle up a bit. And don't forget to lube the latch parts with lithium grease while you have it out. This will cut down on future wear. I don't think these latches are being repopped and unless you can find a NOS latch you may have to live with a little sag.

CWPASADENA · 08-28-2010, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Arnold

And as in my case the handle still might sag due to wear in the cam and the square hole that holds the handle rod. If the spring is not broken it is probably wear and it may be easier to bend the square handle rod enough to bring the handle up a bit.

I AGREEE

I have had to do this on several early Fords. I CAREFULLY "Twist" the square portion of the handle rod just a bit until it stays straight.

Chris

FL&WVMIKE · 09-02-2010, 11:16 AM

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48ford ........................
I don't know if this would work for you or not.....
On my 1935 Ford, my door handle always sagged. The door also dipped a little at the bottom, as if it had been sprung. I put a wooden hammer handle in the hinge and gently pushed the door towards the closed position to slightly widen the hinge. That worked. it lined up the door properly and the sag in the door handle went away ! Talk about serpindipity ! It hasn't sagged since !
MIKE

08-27-2010, 07:45 PM	#1
48ford Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2	1946 door handle Hi everyone. I have a problem with my 46 2 door sedan. the door handles sag,They are not even with the trim that is running down the side of the car. It looks like there is a spring that will keep them up,but how do you change it/ Thanks Russ&Irene

08-27-2010, 08:26 PM	#2
Jim Arnold Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11	Re: 1946 door handle These springs are available and can be changed but be very careful when prying open the two prongs that hold the upper spring. It's very easy to break off one of the prongs when getting them open just enough to take out the old spring and replace with a new one. And as in my case the handle still might sag due to wear in the cam and the square hole that holds the handle rod. If the spring is not broken it is probably wear and it may be easier to bend the square handle rod enough to bring the handle up a bit. And don't forget to lube the latch parts with lithium grease while you have it out. This will cut down on future wear. I don't think these latches are being repopped and unless you can find a NOS latch you may have to live with a little sag.

09-02-2010, 11:16 AM	#4
FL&WVMIKE Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Daytona Beach, Fl & Spencer, W. Va, Posts: 4,442	Re: 1946 door handle Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 48ford ........................ I don't know if this would work for you or not..... On my 1935 Ford, my door handle always sagged. The door also dipped a little at the bottom, as if it had been sprung. I put a wooden hammer handle in the hinge and gently pushed the door towards the closed position to slightly widen the hinge. That worked. it lined up the door properly and the sag in the door handle went away ! Talk about serpindipity ! It hasn't sagged since ! MIKE