The Ford Barn

50fordcoupeman · 03-20-2023, 12:43 PM

The driver door latch plunger will not return to normal (out) position after opening. It stays inside the door. To open you have to reach inside then push handle down. To latch the door you have to lift up on the inside handle. What is wrong and how do I fix it?
Thank you guys!!

Zeke3 · 03-20-2023, 01:17 PM

If it is anything like my 1937 latch, it may be the spring that pushes the plunger out has failed. My door latch handle was droopy and I ended up finding a new latch and replacing rather than attempting a repair of the old latch. As I understand, you need to use heat when attempting to bend the tabs on a latch assembly.

mcgarrett · 03-20-2023, 01:22 PM

Here is my reply to another post on this same topic:

The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!

rich b · 03-22-2023, 12:53 AM

Two springs on a '40 latch.

The one out in the open holds the outside handle level.

The one hidden inside returns the plunger.

Looks like project to change that one.

1931 flamingo · 03-22-2023, 10:55 AM

Is this on a 1940 OR a 1950??

The 40 doesn't have a push button.

Paul in CT

19Fordy · 03-22-2023, 11:00 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rich b

Two springs on a '40 latch.

The one out in the open holds the outside handle level.

The one hidden inside returns the plunger.

Looks like project to change that one.

Rich: Please refresh my memory. Is the latch photo for the 40 pass or driver side door? I am thinking driver side, but not sure. Thanks.

petehoovie · 03-22-2023, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Rich: Please refresh my memory. Is the latch photo for the 40 pass or driver side door? I am thinking driver side, but not sure. Thanks.

50fordcoupeman · 03-22-2023, 01:30 PM

This is the driver side on a 40 coupe.

rich b · 03-23-2023, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Rich: Please refresh my memory. Is the latch photo for the 40 pass or driver side door? I am thinking driver side, but not sure. Thanks.

Picture I posted was passenger side. It was just as a reference for the springs.

Drivers side is a mirror image less the key lock portion.

Here is a picture of a dirty driver side latch; same spring arrangement.

rich b · 03-23-2023, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50fordcoupeman

This is the driver side on a 40 coupe.

Sorry didn't mean to confuse the issue.

While I was aware you were having a problem with the the driver's side latch; I used the passenger side picture because it was clearer and the spring arrangement is the same.

I posted a (not as good) picture of a driver's side latch just now.

50fordcoupeman · 03-23-2023, 09:26 AM

Oh thats ok, I was just answering a question above if this issue is in my 50 or 40. I really appreciate all the help and photos. Door latch is new to me as I have never repaired or replaced one before. Just lucky I guess.

deuce_roadster · 03-23-2023, 09:43 AM

I may have a NOS Ford latch, I will look today and PM you. Can bring to Portland Swap Meet.

50fordcoupeman · 03-23-2023, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deuce_roadster

I may have a NOS Ford latch, I will look today and PM you. Can bring to Portland Swap Meet.

Thank you Mr. Deuce but I already have one! Appreciate your willingness to help!!

TJ · 03-23-2023, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50fordcoupeman

Oh thats ok, I was just answering a question above if this issue is in my 50 or 40. I really appreciate all the help and photos. Door latch is new to me as I have never repaired or replaced one before. Just lucky I guess.

Follow up with Mike (deuce roadster). If he has NOS it's worth buying.

19Fordy · 03-23-2023, 10:39 AM

X-E-LENT advice. Buy it now.

03-20-2023, 12:43 PM	#1
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 866	1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems The driver door latch plunger will not return to normal (out) position after opening. It stays inside the door. To open you have to reach inside then push handle down. To latch the door you have to lift up on the inside handle. What is wrong and how do I fix it? Thank you guys!!

03-20-2023, 01:17 PM	#2
Zeke3 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, IN Posts: 1,407	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems If it is anything like my 1937 latch, it may be the spring that pushes the plunger out has failed. My door latch handle was droopy and I ended up finding a new latch and replacing rather than attempting a repair of the old latch. As I understand, you need to use heat when attempting to bend the tabs on a latch assembly.

03-20-2023, 01:22 PM	#3
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems Here is my reply to another post on this same topic: The best way to fix the problem is remove the latch assembly and thoroughly clean it to remove all the grease and grime. Once clean, you can locate the offending broken spring. Mount the latch in a vise where you can have good access to make the repair. You will see that the spring is held in place by 2 short tabs that are bent at a 90 degree angle to the latch and pinched together to hold the spring. Use a propane torch with a narrow pinpoint flame and heat the 2 tabs until they are almost red. While still hot, you can then bend them SLIGHTLY; just enough to remove the spring without damaging the tabs. (Be careful with the tabs - you'll need to use them again). Install the new spring in the latch mechanism making sure it's nestled in the right spot and heat the 2 tabs again then take a pair of pliers and pinch them back together to firmly hold the spring in place. After things cool down, use your favorite spray lubricant on all the moving parts and you should be ready to reinstall. I would test it by inserting the handle and make sure it returns to suit you. You can do it!

03-22-2023, 10:55 AM	#5
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems Is this on a 1940 OR a 1950?? The 40 doesn't have a push button. Paul in CT

03-22-2023, 01:30 PM	#8
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 866	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems This is the driver side on a 40 coupe.

03-23-2023, 09:26 AM	#11
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 866	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems Oh thats ok, I was just answering a question above if this issue is in my 50 or 40. I really appreciate all the help and photos. Door latch is new to me as I have never repaired or replaced one before. Just lucky I guess.

03-23-2023, 09:43 AM	#12
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems I may have a NOS Ford latch, I will look today and PM you. Can bring to Portland Swap Meet.

03-23-2023, 10:39 AM	#15
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: 1940 Ford Coupe Door Handle Problems X-E-LENT advice. Buy it now.