28 tudor latch assembly.
 

Does anyone on the Barn have a picture or diagrahm for the door latch assembly ?
If not is there a website out there that explains the workings of the door latch and their parts?
Thanks.
Warren

Re: 28 tudor latch assembly.
 

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/99b7c9e9.jpg

I restored both latches on my early 29 Tudor. They are very simple and easily understood by looking at them once you remove them from the door. You can see how the bend in the rear end of the release rod moves against the latch when the inside door handle is LIFTED. It's smart to warn any passengers to NOT PULL BACK on the door handle, as I've seen many original handles broken this way, and for sale at swap meets. Turning the outside door handle also turns a part with a dog that moves the latch in to open the door. Mine had some broken springs, so someone added some Mickey Mouse springs under the flap. I removed them and installed the new spring kit and greased every moving part. They sure work nice now.

This is the only picture I have right now. Notice the broken spring in the middle of the release rod on the door panel. Also notice that ONLY the driver's door has the inside lock, which blocks the latch from releasing from the outside handle.

I have a spare latch and tried to find it to take another picture for you, but after an hour of looking, I still can't find it.:confused:

BTW, trying to remove or install the latch assembly without scratching the paint is a mystery. It's a very tight fit. As you can see, I didn't have to worry about my paint job.:D

Re: 28 tudor latch assembly.
 

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/a5eaa3aa.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/0213ee87.jpg

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/d7667030.jpg

I'm having trouble sleeping, so I decided to remove my latch and take some pictures. It only takes about 3 minutes to remove the latch, and I could look for hours and still not find my spare latch.

In the first picture you can see the maker's mark "HAM". You can also see the lock, which has a fold to create the block that keeps the latch from moving. The lock mechanism is spring loaded to stay open, unless the inside lock handle is pulled back. You can see the small coiled spring for the lock is held in place on the post by the end of the larger spring for the door handle.

In the second picture you can see the dog on the left, which is blocked by the lock to keep the door handle from turning. On the right side you can see the dog that pushes the latch open when the door handle is turned counter clockwise. This of course is the driver's side latch. You can also see the angle cut for removing the door handle and how the handle has to be turned 45* and then pulled to remove it, after removing the two screws on the escutcheon.

In the third picture you can see the center loop of the latch spring, which must be tucked behind the door metal as the latch is installed. The latch appears to be cad plated and still looks like new. There must be some trick to installing or removing the latch assembly that I don't know, because it sure catches on the folded edge of the outer door skin.

As far as painting, as far as I know the door latch is installed and painted with the door when the body gets painted at the factory. And, as my picture shows, most all the nickel plating has worn off the brass handle.

Thank you Tom.
 

Thanks Tom; I was out of town for the Holiday and checked the Barn this AM . I really appreciate your taking time to reply to my post. The pictures are great and exactly what I needed to repair and assemble my latches. I have made copies and filed them with my A how to articles.
Thanks Again;
Warren;)

Re: 28 tudor latch assembly.
 

Good info here, thanks for taking the time to share the pics and words here. Very much appreciated!

When well setup and working, do they really latch safely? My 29 Sedan will be a daily driver, and modern latches seem like a cop-out to me.

Re: 28 tudor latch assembly.
 

Warren, You're Welcome!

I wonder if anyone has an original low mileage 1928-9 Tudor? I'm still wondering about the paint on the doors and latches? I reinstalled the latch last night and noticed that it looked like the same nice original Rose Beige paint under the latch area, as under the door handle.

Does anyone know if the doors were painted before the latches were installed?