Replacement Locking Door Handle

[Cracker39]

The replacement locking door handle From Snyder's tends to bind if tightened down too much. I used two new rubber gaskets under it - but that still doesn't permit it to be tightened as much as I would like. Unless someone can tell me what the problem is I plan to just "snug" the screws down, coated with a liberal dose of threadblocker blue. Has anyone else had this problem?

[ModelAMike1930]

I had to do some extensive filing to get mine to fit properly. The shaft needs to be filed to properly fit.

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by ModelAMike1930

I had to do some extensive filing to get mine to fit properly. The shaft needs to be filed to properly fit.

Filed where?

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by Cracker39

Filed where?

I'm still looking for an answer about where to file the handle shaft so that it will operate smoothly - or without interference. My initial assumption is that the square shaft towards the handle may need to be cut back or rounded down to the adjacent shaft diameter. My second assumption would be that the overall shaft length is too long. Can anyone else provide an answer so that I can avoid experimenting? If I tighten down the handle beyond a certain point it positively blocks the lock from working - rather than just causing it to bind.

[ModelAMike1930]

I had to file the end to make it the same size as the beginning of the shaft. it had a rise at the end and my door didn't like it. Normally the end is larger. The only thing holding it now are the screws..

[5window]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Maybe someone could post a picture of the correct original Henry handle for comparison?

[Cracker39]

I've got the original - but I got carried away with re-installing the new handle and I have not taken it back out for a side-by-side comparison. I was waiting for words of wisdom herein.

[Cracker39]

I filed and filed, cursed and cursed, fitted and re-fitted - and still the blasted lock would bind when I tightened the screws up. Then, after the last trial re-installation, I was pressing the latch in and out while slowly tightening the upper screw and, lo and behold, the lightbulb flashed over my head and I discovered that the new screws ordered from Snyders were too long - at least with respect to the top screw! It was contacting the latch mechanism when tightened! I filed 3/16" off the screw, tightened it up, and all is well. It has been awhile since I was bamboozled by a Model A, so I guess I was overdue!

[Big hammer]

Primary or secondary lock a real pain to lock or unlock :-)

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

Primary or secondary lock a real pain to lock or unlock :-)

Yep - I'm not smart enough to figure out Henry's door lock scheme. The only way I know how to lock up is to get out, go to the passenger side, open the door, reach across and slide the deadbolt on the driver's door, then close and lock the passenger side door with the key. Is there any other way? How about the Fodors? What is their locking scheme?

[ModelAMike1930]

I put a locking door handle on the drivers side of my coupe so I can now lock both sides, and I am going to do the same on my pickup too..

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by ModelAMike1930

I put a locking door handle on the drivers side of my coupe so I can now lock both sides, and I am going to do the same on my pickup too..

I wonder if you could get the locks keyed alike? ---and, by the way, I realize, with reference to my prior comment, that I could slide over and get out the passenger side - but it's a toss up as to which procedure is the easiest. I still wonder what Henry was thinking?

[ModelAMike1930]

My local locksmith could key them alike, if they have the same type key..

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Cracker39

... I realize...that I could slide over and get out the passenger side... I still wonder what Henry was thinking?

Look at some of your old movies or TV shows. They were always seen getting in and out of their cars on the passenger side. You don't see that in anything recent.

[Cracker39]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Look at some of your old movies or TV shows. They were always seen getting in and out of their cars on the passenger side. You don't see that in anything recent.

Was that just a theatrical convention to avoid having a camera on both sides - or a true representation of how cars were used??? Maybe it was too damn dangerous to get out on the driver's side?

[d.]

I believe the reasoning on getting in/out on the passenger (curb) side was originally to keep the driver out of the mud, and later to keep him out of traffic in the narrow streets.

[Charles Coe]

Originally Posted by Cracker39

Yep - I'm not smart enough to figure out Henry's door lock scheme. The only way I know how to lock up is to get out, go to the passenger side, open the door, reach across and slide the deadbolt on the driver's door, then close and lock the passenger side door with the key. Is there any other way? How about the Fodors? What is their locking scheme?

You can slide the lock on the driver's door before you close it and then go around and lock the passenger door. This saves opening the passenger door and reaching across to lock the driver's door.