So last Fall, just before tucking the '49 in for the winter, the DS door latch failed, again. The mechism had been signaling its displeasure most of the year with increasingly more difficult slams needed to get the latch to seat. Ignoring it didn't seem to improve performance. My Plan B of hoping for the miracle of self healing didn't pan out either. Drastic action was required.

Having experience with this troublemaker, I knew the tabs holding the assembly together were about done. They lay in silent fury, fully prepared to shed their ends like some lizard's tail on a nature show. Removing the ungainly thing from the door (note to others, unclip the glass from the window regulator first) laid bare the plot. Still broken, the latch could only be opened from the inside, with unseen fissures daring the foolish to bend the tabs even a little, just to test the resolve of each participant in the coming battle.

Not today, my wobbly friend.

Believing in the power of mindless screen scrolling, I had found an offering from Midwest Early Ford. Here was a real solution that required no chanting, essential oils, or healing crystals. Just the easy click of a PayPal option and the warm glow of the long ago decision to create a separate bank account for old iron. Ahh, the freedom.

A couple of days later the unassuming box arrived in the mail. No ritual of the brown trucks or oversized box requiring signature to the maw of the FedEx beast. This was a subtle matter. Like those images in late night pharmaceutical ads (no prescription needed!) or other non-FDA approved stuff.

Comparing the sneering, expectant original to the shiny, lightly lubed interloper showed a dead match. An assessment confirmed with a smooth installation and a satisfying test. Yippee, it works!

Guys, if you suffer from poor performance with your latches and the public indignity of chronic handle sag, I'm a buff and virile model for the new you. A champion of one shot closes, a proud new handle profile, and the confidence that your latch will perform.

The Web catalog at Midwest Early Ford isn't the easiest to search and the delivered price is a couple of dollars better using their ebay store, so choose as you wish. The part works great and has my complete endorsement.

https://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb...Z5Z5Z50000266b

 

DW, you are an awesome writer! It gave me some joy this morning. If you ever quit your day job.....

I could have written that in a lot less words..... My latch didn't work, bought a new one from MW Early Ford. Now it works! LOL.

 

Some said that Mozart used too many notes. Perhaps you should only read every third word. Let me know how that works for you.

 

Great post, you're a master with words and you should send it to Midwest Early Ford. I'm sure they would approve and who knows they may use it to your advantage...

 

that is great that something from the aftermarket actually works! I am a cheap bastid, cant buy new unless out of options LOL. Both mine were shot but a little welding and grinding took care of it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...them-work.html

 

'49er, I hope you didn't take my comment the wrong way. I was complementing your writing. As I said it gave me joy this morning. I was putting myself down when I said I could (I should have used would) have used fewer words......

 

I love your tale of woe and triumph. It definitely brought a welcome smile to my face this morning. Now get down and Rock and Roll, then mellow back down with some good ol Blues. Thanks D.

 

Great to hear the replacement part operates as intended . It must have used substantially less time than you allotted as it seems you had ample time to share your findings . LOL .

 

Being a Mozart fan, I found it difficult to wrap my head around Strump.

 

All in good humor, Abe. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

49er, that was a nice story, thanks for sharing.

Greg

 

The performer notes are quite clever. Hadn't seen this piece. Thanks, Bob.

 

I sure did enjoy it. That story ranks right up there with Pinecone Ford's writings!

 

As with many trucks of a similar age, mine to suffers from DD (doorhandle dysfunction) and can't always maintain its robust appearance. Like others I have dared to work those little tabs until they became tired of my company and chose to depart for better climes (what diabolical madman designed those things out the brittlest steel known to man?)

My driver's side repairs have held up well but my passenger side is woefully inadequate and did not respond well to MIG therapy.

I am glad to hear that there is relief available and I appreciate your clever endorsement. I will definitely take it into consideration.

Thanks
Bobby

 

Forty Niner Great read. Thanks for the gift of humor.