Passenger Door Latch Mechanism

[SofaKing]

I've got what appears to be a 1940 passenger door on my 1939 pu. The inner passenger door handle moves one way to open and the other way to lock. When I disassembled it there was a chain attached to a spring and stud on one end and the handle linkage on the other. It looked to be an improvisation so I removed it. I now notice that it was applying spring pressure to that linkage to hold it in the unlock position. Now that I can drive the truck the linkage migrates from "unlock" to "lock" but mostly just between the two rendering it immovable.

My question: does anyone have the body manual showing if there was originally any type of supplemental spring on the door handle mechanism or a photo of it?

If not, does anyone have a good source for a replacement OEM spring? I hate to go back to the Rube Goldberg affair that I removed.
Thanks

[Terry,OH]

both 39 & 40 had a U-shaped spring at the door handle mechanism. The spring operated in detents on a small cam at the rear of the handle shaft mechanism to keep the handle in the lock or unlocked position. I believe the same spring was used on nearly all the V8 pre war door latch mechanisms or door handles. Check the aftermarket parts suppliers.

[SofaKing]

Thanks Terry. When I had it out it seemed to me that the spring was working fine. I don't recall feeling any type of detent so I suppose I will start looking there first.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by SofaKing

Thanks Terry. When I had it out it seemed to me that the spring was working fine. I don't recall feeling any type of detent so I suppose I will start looking there first.

The detent may be well worn by now and that's why you didn't feel it. You should be able to see the depression for the spring as you turn the handle. I don't believe a '40 passenger door will fit a pickup without some serious modifications.

[SofaKing]

I don't believe a '40 passenger door will fit a pickup without some serious modifications.[/QUOTE]

I should have described it as 40 right-hand side door.

[Mrwax11]

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anyone know where i can find the linkage rods for a 1967 galaxie driverside door lock?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Mrwax11

anyone know where i can find the linkage rods for a 1967 galaxie driverside door lock?

Not here

[Zeke3]

You might post this inquiry in the late V8 forum, maybe someone over there can help.

[Terry,OH]

No chains on the door latch operating mechanism. Posting a photo will be good.

[19Fordy]

Here are some photos of the 1940 Ford coupe door latches that may help visualization. Don't know if it's the same as a 1939. The first six photos are of a NOS pass. side door latch.

The remaining photos are of a repaired driver side latch I did many years ago. You can see the hex bolt that I machined to fit the latch with a nut and cotter pin. Still works. Best to also replace the spring that actuates the door handle and keeps it horizontal when door is closed.

[Planojc]

I purchased my 35 door latch springs from Third Gen. They may have them for your latch.

[Karl Wescott]

My understanding is that coupe/tudor latches 1937-39 are "the same", 1940 is different with internal "improvements" but is a direct interchange to 1937-39.