Is everybody here using original or nos door locks? My doors have never locked since I've owned my truck because the previous owner lost the key. I would like to replace them, but would prefer to go to a newer lock assembly. The old ford locks don't appear to be superior to any others I've seen, they're prohibitively expensive, and I don't like those little keys. Does anyone know if later model door locks will fit the 61-66 trucks? Has anyone ever used locks from a completely different type of car - (crown vic, etc), with good luck?

 

I'm using locks from an early 70's mustang in my 64; it takes a bit of work to do the swap but it's not too hard:

The hole must be made larger to match the lock - go slow with a Dremel Tool and test fit it often - don't make it too big! They are held in with the same type of clip once you get them to sit flush.

Then on the back side of the lock you will notice the lever arm (I'm sure it has a special name but I don't have a clue what it is!) on both locks will be held on with a small C-clip. The lever on the later locks only has a quarter-moon opening and allows only half the movement of the earlier ones, which have a full-moon opening. I just swapped them out and everything works fine! The earlier ones are a bit thicker than the mustang levers, so I had to grind them down a bit to be able to get the C-clip back on the later lock and not bind with the earlier lever - nothing 10 seconds with bench grinder didn't handle.

It's pretty self-explanitory if you have them in your hands, I don't think I kept the originals (I didn't have a key either), but I might have something similar laying around if you need a picture of what I'm talking about. I've since installed power locks and and an alarm, so I never even use the key anymore... Oh Well!

 

I just pulled my lock cylinders out (no key from previous owner) I went to a locksmith and he was able to make a new key using the code that was on the cylinder. He charged $4.95 plus $1.00 for each extra key.
Why would you want to go to all the extra time and expense if you just need a key?

 

I wanted new locksets for two reasons:

1.) I didn't know the previous owner so I didn't want to re-key the truck not knowing if there were other keys out there I didn't know about - call me paranoid?

2.) since I didn't know what kind of shape the old locksets were in without having the keys to work them, and I had to rip everything out one way or the other anyway, I just felt better with the bigger key; converting it took all of about an hour, so it wasn't a big headache. The lock mechanisms are pretty stiff in these old trucks - I don't think Ford thought they would really get used much on a truck back in '64...

the locksets only cost about $12 at AutoZone, I didn't spend a lot more than you did...

 

I'm going to do what shakespearesdad did. Only my drivers door has no opening for a lock, so I have to make a hole. Why does all this wierd stuff happen to me?

 

Wow, so I'm not alone. I would be inclined to do what shakespearesdad did, only one of my locks (drivers side) was vandalized. Looks like somebody rammed a screwdriver through it. (Might have been me!)

I pulled both locks out yesterday, pretty easy to do. I think I'll go to autozone and just ask them to see if they can find a set that is a match for size, but that has the larger key that I want.

If I find a set that is a match, I'll post the year and make that they came from, so others can do the same if they have a mind to.

Thanks!

 

The bigger key means bigger tumblers and housing - I couldn't find one that fit the original hole...

 

Hmm... I suspected that might be the case...

I have another question about the locks, though..

Did these trucks come with "pull up" ***** on the window sills? Mine doesn't have them, but I think I've seen others that did. Were they added later?

 

You lock the door from the inside by pushing the door handle forward - it unlocks as you open the door. There was no separate ****.

These are 40 year old trucks... Crime wasn't a big issue back then, so I don't think the locks were very well thought out - everyone was more worried about digging bomb shelters in their back yards...

 

I did not know that. Guess mine doesn't work. I can only lock my doors with the key.

 

Yeah, they lock by the door handles. I had a student of mine two years ago fall out of a truck with the same type of handles as he was riding and was told to lock the door and he opened it on mistake as they were making a left turn. Tore him up pretty bad from falling out, but nothing major!

Watch out when you tell passengers how to use em when you are driving down the rode.

Bob Nolan

 

ZombieSlayer, you can't lock the door when leaving it by pushing the handle forward then closing the door. Pushing the handle forward only works once the door is closed. The key is the only method to lock the door when parking the truck.

Scott

 

ZombieSlayer, incidentally this doesn't let you lock your keyes in the truck...

Scott

 

Only way to lock the door is to use they key.

 

johnsalterego: I am replacing the locks on my truck so that they all match. You can have my old door locks if you'd like them. Just remember that your ignition key won't match - although you could have it rekeyed....