The Ford Barn

wspiker · 10-07-2012, 03:59 PM

Currently, I have to use the trunk latch key each time I open the trunk on my '40 Ford. How can I fix my trunk handle to remain unlocked and than lock it with the key when needed?

Thanks,

Daryl

TJ · 10-07-2012, 04:13 PM

They are all like that. I have an origianl handle and it must be locked to remove the key.

40cpe · 10-07-2012, 05:02 PM

Grind the head of a spare key small enough that the spring loaded cover will fit over it. Leave it unlocked until you need to secure it.

wspiker · 10-08-2012, 10:30 AM

Thanks 40cpe. I had a '47 Tudor with an original handle and I was able to keep it locked or unlocked. I bought a new chromed one and it was such that you needed to use a key each time to open the truck. I guess I should have switched the key lock?

40cpe · 10-08-2012, 02:32 PM

I don't know about the '47, but I've never heard of anyone being able to remove the key from a '40 with the key cylinder in unlocked position.

FlatHeadCoupe · 10-10-2012, 01:53 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I can modify your lock cylinder to allow removal of the key in the open position. Only requirement is that you have a working key and that the cylinder is a "Hurd" manufactured OEM cylinder (it would be chrome or nickle plated rather than the Briggs and Stratton stainless clad design). If you are interested in the modification, give me a call.
John at 919-559-5774

Vic Piano · 10-10-2012, 02:26 PM

I don't know about the '40 but I can remove the key from our '39 CS trunk latch and it will remain unlocked, the same thing on our '47 Ford however, on the '39 LZ you have to lock the trunk to remove the key... Another Ford anomaly...

Hugh in NC · 10-10-2012, 06:35 PM

I just did this modification to my '40 this past summer to make it easier to get the folding chairs in an out of the trunk. I did not document the procedure at the time, but it was very easy and straight forward. Take out the lock and look at it and how it works. There is a little tab somewhere that you can grind off and the trunk opens and closes without the key. You shouldn't have any problems.

Hugh

okiedokie · 10-10-2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh in NC

I just did this modification to my '40 this past summer to make it easier to get the folding chairs in an out of the trunk. I did not document the procedure at the time, but it was very easy and straight forward. Take out the lock and look at it and how it works. There is a little tab somewhere that you can grind off and the trunk opens and closes without the key. You shouldn't have any problems.

Hugh

Except to lock it! Love that avatar.

wspiker · 10-12-2012, 07:14 PM

Thanks Hugh and John............and everyone. I'll gitter done.......... :-)

boman5 · 10-13-2012, 01:35 PM

I can remove my key locked or unlocked on my Drake handle. it may not be correct but sure is handy.

10-07-2012, 03:59 PM	#1
wspiker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 190	1940 Ford Trunk Handle Currently, I have to use the trunk latch key each time I open the trunk on my '40 Ford. How can I fix my trunk handle to remain unlocked and than lock it with the key when needed? Thanks, Daryl

10-07-2012, 04:13 PM	#2
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle They are all like that. I have an origianl handle and it must be locked to remove the key.

10-07-2012, 05:02 PM	#3
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle Grind the head of a spare key small enough that the spring loaded cover will fit over it. Leave it unlocked until you need to secure it.

10-08-2012, 10:30 AM	#4
wspiker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 190	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle Thanks 40cpe. I had a '47 Tudor with an original handle and I was able to keep it locked or unlocked. I bought a new chromed one and it was such that you needed to use a key each time to open the truck. I guess I should have switched the key lock?

10-08-2012, 02:32 PM	#5
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle I don't know about the '47, but I've never heard of anyone being able to remove the key from a '40 with the key cylinder in unlocked position.

10-10-2012, 01:53 PM	#6
FlatHeadCoupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC 27616 Posts: 208	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I can modify your lock cylinder to allow removal of the key in the open position. Only requirement is that you have a working key and that the cylinder is a "Hurd" manufactured OEM cylinder (it would be chrome or nickle plated rather than the Briggs and Stratton stainless clad design). If you are interested in the modification, give me a call. John at 919-559-5774

10-10-2012, 02:26 PM	#7
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle I don't know about the '40 but I can remove the key from our '39 CS trunk latch and it will remain unlocked, the same thing on our '47 Ford however, on the '39 LZ you have to lock the trunk to remove the key... Another Ford anomaly... __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

10-10-2012, 06:35 PM	#8
Hugh in NC Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: In my Recliner, Rockingham Posts: 78	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle I just did this modification to my '40 this past summer to make it easier to get the folding chairs in an out of the trunk. I did not document the procedure at the time, but it was very easy and straight forward. Take out the lock and look at it and how it works. There is a little tab somewhere that you can grind off and the trunk opens and closes without the key. You shouldn't have any problems. Hugh

10-12-2012, 07:14 PM	#10
wspiker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 190	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle Thanks Hugh and John............and everyone. I'll gitter done.......... :-)

10-13-2012, 01:35 PM	#11
boman5 Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 7	Re: 1940 Ford Trunk Handle I can remove my key locked or unlocked on my Drake handle. it may not be correct but sure is handy.