1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

My '49 Ford front door latches will unlatch allowing the doors to open, but a component in the latch fails to drop down to allow the door to close and relatch. By lifting the inside handle again that tab or pawl drops down permitting the door to close and once again latch --- sometimes. I'm guessing this is not uncommon to the '49's. Mercury latch and 1950 and '51 Ford latches are different. Anyone know a fix for this, or root cause?

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

What I would do is remove, inspect and lubricate.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

I would call Chris at ShoeBox Central. 405-259-9222. He has helped with issues on my '50. Good luck!!

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Whatever you do don't use Fluid Film on the latches, I put some on my Dakota tail gate latches, and my tailgate would fall open during cold weather. I finally had to wash out the Fluid film with WD40, I then used straight silicon spray.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

I had one doing that and had to oil it up good. Been ok for 10 years now. I have some factory rebuilding kits for these so that is indicative of an issue.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Thank you Frank. I was beginning to think I was the only '49 owner to experience this. My father had a '49 and the right front door did it as well. I've cleaned and lubed the latches best I was able without disassembly of the latches. Factory rebuilding kits. How might I acquire a couple?

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

As I recall, that was a problem when new. One of the fifty changes for 1950.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Yes! 49 latches are crap, only lasted one year. Clean and lube, be sure the spring is good, cross your fingers.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

The 49 that resided in my family, back in the 50's, had this problem from the beginning. Right side door in particular, would fly open at any time. There was probably a part number for that.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Thank you all for your replies. They are all welcomed and really helpful. I'll remove the latch and see what I can see. Friday next is supposed to be up to 40 degrees so warm enough to do stuff.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Where do you live? Might be some one that could help.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Northwest Indiana north of La Porte.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

my 49 tudor does the same. Havn't gotten to the fix part yet. Just started rebuild with new trunk floor, inside floor boards next.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Can the latches be changed over to the newer style in the 50?

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Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Ref: https://www.drislide.com/products/dr...moly-lubricant


Used this product on my 49 wagon. Cleaned all the schmutz that had accumulated over the past half century or so. This product does an excellent job on lubrication, plus it dries - not sticky as so many other lubricants. Used on the door hinges as well. Doors open and close easier, no door slamming required.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

I'd also like to know this.

Re: 1949 Ford Door Latches in cold weather
 

Not without changing the door and whatever might be involved in fitting the latching mechanism to the the jamb.