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Door handle self locks

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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 02:54 PM
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Door handle self locks

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
 
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 03:19 PM
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Door Handle

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
 
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 09:18 PM
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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....
 
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Old Jan 22, 2014 | 09:32 PM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2014 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by abe
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 remote control that goes from the door latch (the star shaped thing on the door jamb) to the inside door handle....
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.
 
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