The Ford Barn

Paul in Colorado · 09-20-2018, 03:07 PM

The driver's door latch on my 1930 Briggs Town Sedan has failed, and neither the inside or outside handle will open it, even in the unlocked position. I have managed to get it open, and have removed the outside handle and the screws on the edge of the door. The window molding does not want to come out, even with the screws loose. Where do I go from here?

Paul

MAG · 09-20-2018, 03:51 PM

Remove the door upholstery. The Door Latch Panel is held in place by wood screws on each end.

jw hash · 09-20-2018, 06:28 PM

the upholstery door panel is nail on with small finish nail. so be careful removing the panel. it is easy once you remove the door panel.

Y-Blockhead · 09-20-2018, 06:33 PM

This is a my Town Sedan drivers door. Clean, inspect and lube everything while you're in there. Check the window channels and upper window seal. You don't want to take the door apart very often.

You may have to carefully pry out the window molding. Go slow...

Paul in Colorado · 09-22-2018, 08:46 PM

I have removed all the screws from the window frame, but it still will not budge. How do I get it out?

Paul

burner31 · 09-23-2018, 08:24 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You're not going to get the window frame out with the door closed.
If the goal is to get the door open you can remove the upholstery door panel with the window frame in place.
Once you get the door open the window frame should come out.

Y-Blockhead · 09-23-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burner31

You're not going to get the window frame out with the door closed.
If the goal is to get the door open you can remove the upholstery door panel with the window frame in place.
Once you get the door open the window frame should come out.

I believe he said he got the door open in post #1.

I had to remove the window frame in order to remove the trim piece that is at the top of the door panel. The window frame fits tight. It didn't help that someone used weatherstripping to glue in the window felts and some stuck to the frame. Are you certain you have all the screws out? I believe there are 14 screws?

Paul in Colorado · 09-23-2018, 04:27 PM

Yes, the door is open. I was able to use a screwdriver to pry the latch from inside.

I believe all the screws are accounted for. I am hesitant to pry too hard. It is also hard to get anything between the door panel and the frame lip.

Paul

Y-Blockhead · 09-23-2018, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul in Colorado

Yes, the door is open. I was able to use a screwdriver to pry the latch from inside.

I believe all the screws are accounted for. I am hesitant to pry too hard. It is also hard to get anything between the door panel and the frame lip.

Paul

I used a 2" wide stiff putty knife and worked slowly. I think I got the top to come out and then the rest was easy.

09-20-2018, 03:51 PM	#2
MAG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 925	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? Remove the door upholstery. The Door Latch Panel is held in place by wood screws on each end. __________________ I noticed the harder I work the luckier I get!

09-20-2018, 06:28 PM	#3
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? the upholstery door panel is nail on with small finish nail. so be careful removing the panel. it is easy once you remove the door panel.

09-20-2018, 06:33 PM	#4
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,848	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? This is a my Town Sedan drivers door. Clean, inspect and lube everything while you're in there. Check the window channels and upper window seal. You don't want to take the door apart very often. You may have to carefully pry out the window molding. Go slow... Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 09-20-2018 at 07:02 PM.

09-22-2018, 08:46 PM	#5
Paul in Colorado Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 175	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? I have removed all the screws from the window frame, but it still will not budge. How do I get it out? Paul

09-23-2018, 08:24 AM	#6
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You're not going to get the window frame out with the door closed. If the goal is to get the door open you can remove the upholstery door panel with the window frame in place. Once you get the door open the window frame should come out. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

09-20-2018, 03:07 PM	#1
Paul in Colorado Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 175	How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? The driver's door latch on my 1930 Briggs Town Sedan has failed, and neither the inside or outside handle will open it, even in the unlocked position. I have managed to get it open, and have removed the outside handle and the screws on the edge of the door. The window molding does not want to come out, even with the screws loose. Where do I go from here? Paul

09-23-2018, 04:27 PM	#8
Paul in Colorado Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arvada, Colorado Posts: 175	Re: How do I remove a 1930 Town Sedan door latch? Yes, the door is open. I was able to use a screwdriver to pry the latch from inside. I believe all the screws are accounted for. I am hesitant to pry too hard. It is also hard to get anything between the door panel and the frame lip. Paul