DocHemi Posted June 26, 2018 Report Share Posted June 26, 2018 1949 Plymouth business coupe The other day the door wasn't latching well when I left so I gave it a good tug and it fully latched. Then when I got to my destination it wouldn't open. I tried the inner and outer handles. When I got home I investigated further and could see the linkages working through the lowered window. It was almost like the door was locked sometimes. I have no key for it but I popped out the passenger side lock (yay access hole) to see about getting a key made. I've tried lifting, pushing down, pushing in, and pushing out while using the handles. If it indeed did lock itself, would the inside door handle unlock it when I pulled on it? Also is the shaft that comes out of the lock cylinder supposed to be loose? I've searched through the forum for similar issues but only found one that suggested lifting the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casper50 Posted June 26, 2018 Report Share Posted June 26, 2018 Use of the inside door handle is suppose to unlock if it's a push one way to lock and pull the other to open like my 47. The shaft on my door locks was loose. I believe it's made that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 If your latch on the door frame is badly worn, it might cause the door to stick. Is there much play in your door hinges up and down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonaldSmith Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 Try lifting the door while trying to open it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocHemi Posted June 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 I put some shoulder to it from the inside while holding the handle and it opened. Open sesame! I greased both contact points but you still have to give it a good tug to open. That can't be good for it. I believe it's the door side that's causing trouble (that rotary gear). Is that a replaceable part or do I need to get a whole inside door mechanism? I need to find a service manual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam H P15 D30 Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 (edited) My Dodge would do that sometimes and also not latch sometimes. I removed, cleaned and lubed the latch up, adjusted the door with the latch out and it's worked flawlessly for a while now. Latch was pretty gooey inside. Edited June 28, 2018 by Adam H P15 D30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocHemi Posted June 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 Shipping my car to SF as we speak. I'll send the transporter for it when you're done :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam H P15 D30 Posted June 28, 2018 Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 33 minutes ago, DocHemi said: Shipping my car to SF as we speak. I'll send the transporter for it when you're done :) Drive it!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocHemi Posted June 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2018 Haha across the US without A/C? I'd die. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grdpa's 50 Dodge Posted June 29, 2018 Report Share Posted June 29, 2018 Most doors sag down with age. Hinges and bushings wear. You can get the door to work flawlessly again with a basic tool. About a 3' 2 X 4. Butt end over the thresh hold and middle under door. Gentle adjustments please, it moves easier than you think. You can correct a twisted door also (IF it doesnt seal on top) Stick block the bottom and push on top. Sounds terrible but it works. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocHemi Posted July 5, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2018 I was able to get a key made but after I put the lock back in it feels loose. Not sure if it's a clip issue or what. This was on the passenger side as I also needed to figure out why the window didn't like rolling down sometimes. Found that if I push in the handle while turning it it works fine. Otherwise it can bind up. Haven't noticed an adjustment for that. Had it not been so hot and humid out I would have taken the driver's side off to investigate the latch. Do you have to remove the lock cylinder to remove the latch? Seems I saw an eBay auction that showed the lock control as separate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Skinner Posted July 6, 2018 Report Share Posted July 6, 2018 There are oil holes at the jamb. Administer some 3 in 1 oil in every one you can find liberally. It should loosen things up a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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