A little help please. I have a 54 Ford pick up with Mid fifties door Handle's and on the driver door every time I close the door it locks itself. Would that be a handle or lock problem? When I redid my truck I replaced the handles locks and striker plates and thoe they have been in for three years I only drive the truck once a week and I don't see where they would be worn out already.

Bill

 

To lock the doors you push down (or forward) on the handle. Are you doing this inadvertently when you close the door?

Just an FYI: the door handle should be positioned on a 45 degree angle, like it is pointing to about between 1:00 and 2:00. Then pull back to open and push down to lock. Also this way you won't bang your knuckles on it when you roll your window up or down.

 

Hi Abe, No I know the door locks when I push it all the way down. When I lift the handle to open the door and get out of the truck, once I close the door the handle falls to the lock position. My door handles are set more at the 4 o clock position with the doors closed and at 4:30 when locked. I just went out and activated the lock assembly several times which I could see through the space between the glass and it seems to be working but it also looks like it could be easily tripped if I slammed the door to hard. Is there any adjustment in the lock assembly? Or do I just need to buy a new lock?

Bill

 

remove the access panel and take out the door lock mechanism. DO you have a shop manual? there are specific directions there to follow. Perhaps something is worn or missing. There is a door lock arm that goes from the door latch (the star shaped thing on the door jamb) to the inside door handle....

 

I have the same problem with the Mid fifties setup in my 53. I now carry a door key separate from the ignition key. Have Altman latches to install soon so haven't looked into why it is doing that.

 

Door lock remote control: 21818 in pic / Latch is 21812

On the backside of the remote control (hidden in this view) is a coil spring, it weakens or breaks.

Ford only supplied the spring with the control, it may be available by itself from repro parts sellers.

B3C-8121818-A .. Door Lock Remote Control-Right/Left is the same / 1953/55 trucks / Obsolete

ANTIQUE AUTO SUPPLY in Arlington TX has ONE = 817-275-2381.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has THREE = 800-543-4959.

CARPENTER NOS OBSOLETE PARTS in Concord NC has FIVE = 800-476-9653.