Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Please excuse my ignorance. I got a 31 coupe about a year ago and have it running now so that I'm getting a lot of confidence that I can drive somewhere and get back home without breaking down. It is exhilarating!
Now that it runs reliably, I got into to town to work out, get groceries, restaurant, etc.
It has come to my realization that the door locks are missing...I assume that you should be able to lock up the cab so nobody can open the door unless they have a key...like modern cars.
Here's what I have...please tell me what is wrong with the way it is built up and tell me what it will take to get it so that it will be like Henry Ford designed it. 1) Neither the right or left door outside handle has a slot to put a key in to unlock the door! How could that be!!!
2) The driver door has an inside lock button and it does work so I can lock the door from the inside but if I get out and close the door, I'm locked out!
3) The passenger side door has no inside lock and, as I already said, has no key slot in the outside handle.
You see what problems someone who trusts the seller that it car is right...he sure didn't point out any of the problems I've been correcting in the past year! I'm not belly aching here because I wouldn't trade her for anything now that we gotten aquainted and she is a hoot to drive...I get nothing but longing looks, smiles and waves as I pass by.
Blessings, John

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Some dough head put a L/H handle on the R/H side. Supposed to have a keyed handle on the R/H side only.
Bill W.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Most Model A's did not come with a locking Drivers door handle The only one I know of that had a locking drivers handle was the 1931 Special Delivery. If you have a sliding lock on the drivers side that is correct. All you need to do is purchase a locking handle for the passenger side. Original locking coupe handles can still be found or you can buy a reproduction. I believe in 31 the locking door handle and the ignition used the same key so if you have an original popout ignition switch look for an original locking handle and have it modified to fit your ignition key.

How can you get locked out if the passenger side does not lock? Can't you reach across from the passenger side and unlock the drivers door?

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Thanks for clearing up how my 31 coupe's locks should be!
I went through a box of spare parts I received and there is a locking RH outside door handle in there.
I can swap it out for the non-locking one. HOWEVER there is NO KEY for it!
How can I change the lock cylinder for a replacement that comes with a key?
Or can a locksmith make a key to fit?...how do you take the lock cylinder out so I can take to a locksmith?

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Watch an old movie, and even through the 40s, people parked their car on the curb, locked the driver's door inside the car, and then slid across the bench seat and got out on the passenger side. This was safer and you weren't stepping out in traffic.

You're missing the locking passenger door outside handle

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

I personally have used Dick Crabtree to restore and/or re-key my handles. Some people recommend Cal Allen but I believe he's getting out of the business. I looked in my address book and couldn't find Dick's email but I'm sure smeone on the barn can give it to you

Do you have an original popout ignition switch? If so, you might try the ignition key to see if it works. The lock in the handle should have a small pin hole on the edge of the lock. All I know is that plays a part in removing the lock but beyond that you'll have to get help from a more knowledgeable A person.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Why not take the locking handle to a nearby locksmith to make you a key. It uses a common key blank that he should already have unless you are looking for an original key blank.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Remember that to remove the outside handle,you have to have the handle in the open position-after the mounting screws are removed of course- & wiggle the handle while pulling on it.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Great thanks...it sure will be nice to be able to lock the doors!
The problem with sliding across to the passenger side to get out on the curbside like I've seen them do in the old movies is that my seat is fabric. Sliding across would be a lot easier if I had leather seats! But, hey, I'm thankful for what I have. But maybe practice makes perfect...I'll try it tomorrow.
Thanks for all the good input. I'm going to a locksmith next.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

On my 1930 coupe, I get out of the driver's door, slide the lever to the locked position, and then close the door. It is then locked. I then walk around to the passenger door and lock it with the key.

Re: Door lock question from a Model A rookie
 

Look on the shaft of the locking handle assembly. There should be a number stamped there that is the key number, or send it to cal allen in chandler arizona to get it rekeyed.Bob