door latch spring

[Dave72dt]

I have complete door latch mechanisms you can have for the price of postage (from Australia) if you can't find a better option. I have put bear claw latches into my 49, so they are not needed.

Once my truck is finished I plan on listing everything I have left over here for the restoration guys to grab if they are interested.

A lot of the stuff on my truck has been changed from stock to more modern stuff to satisfy our registration requirements, so there is a bit of gear left over.

Not to hijack the thread, but how did you set up the release for the bear claws? Solenoids or fab something to use with the original handles?

[Jerry Roberts]

There are 2 return springs on the door latch assembly of which the lower one on mine is broken.I've looked through the Roberts catalog and the Restoration Specialties and have come up empty.Has anyone ever had need to order these?Any info would be appreciated.

thanks

George

Look at ebay number 360328166604 , Will that work ?

[HanksB3B]

Thanks, but it'd be a $7.00 shot in the dark. Yes it looks correct but they only have 1 spring and they don't really know what it's for. We need someone that can say it's for a 48-50, 51-53 Dodge Truck RH or LH door handle spring and hopefully from someone that has a bunch of them. But keep looking....

Thanks,

Hank

[wendleburger]

Not to hijack the thread, but how did you set up the release for the bear claws? Solenoids or fab something to use with the original handles?

Just made up rods to connect to the original handles.

I had to shorten the 'axle' and weld a lever point onto the outside handle.

I also ended up moving the original internal handle to lower down on the door, this isn't a problem in my application as the door trims are missing and I have to make new ones anyway.

My striker is fitted into the cavity in the pillar where the 'wedge' that aligns the door vertically as it closes used to be.

They work really well, I need to get some photos if others are interested.

[Dave72dt]

Your bear claws must be in a different position than the original door latch then, down somewhat. Mine are located in the stock location and the outside handles are gone, not even sure I have them anymore. Should check on latches themselvers also. Maybe this weekend.

Sure, I like to see pictures of what others fabricate.

[geopcanuk]

That along with the other picture (with dimensions) will surely help. Although I know right now you don't need it:

1. Can you in similar fashion dimension the other spring shown in the most recent picture.

2. Also please confirm if there are 2 types of springs only and they are just flipped over to make it work on the opposite door...or

3. If there are 2 sizes, wound opposite to accommodate the 4 different spring mounting conditions.

In the meantine, I'll start to do what I can to locate either a source for NOS, or a fabricator. It shouldn't be too hard or expensive because there's no tooling involved, just material and radius bends and the know how of adding spring tension.

Thanks,

Hank

1.I measured the other spring and the coil is .95".The over all lenght is 1.71" and the piece from the coil to the end is .80"

2.There are 2 springs flipped over and as you can see they are different sizes.

[HanksB3B]

George,

I looked at the Ebay Door Spring guy has and his stock is somewhat limited.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/whiterivertreasure/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Plan A: I'll email him and if I can will attach two of the photos, but really don't think he'll be able to help us out.

Plan B: (and this may be next Spring (the season) I have a couple of broken springs and a complete RH & LH door mechanisms that are not working. With the broken springs and the photos you've taken. I'll get with my fabricator and see what I can do to make a dozen or so of each spring.

Spring#1: 3 coils, O.D.=.79”, Total Length=1.8” , with 1” long piece coil to end

Spring#2: 3 coils, O.D.=.95”, Total Length 1.2”, with .80” long piece coil to end

For now, I'm going to cut and paste a link of this thread into my PilotHouse Threads.doc and pick up at another time. In the meantime, if anyone out there has extras, please PM George first and then me.

Syonra for now,

Hank

[geopcanuk]

George,

I looked at the Ebay Door Spring guy has and his stock is somewhat limited.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/whiterivertreasure/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Plan A: I'll email him and if I can will attach two of the photos, but really don't think he'll be able to help us out.

Plan B: (and this may be next Spring (the season) I have a couple of broken springs and a complete RH & LH door mechanisms that are not working. With the broken springs and the photos you've taken. I'll get with my fabricator and see what I can do to make a dozen or so of each spring.

Spring#1: 3 coils, O.D.=.79”, Total Length=1.8” , with 1” long piece coil to end

Spring#2: 3 coils, O.D.=.95”, Total Length 1.2”, with .80” long piece coil to end

For now, I'm going to cut and paste a link of this thread into my PilotHouse Threads.doc and pick up at another time. In the meantime, if anyone out there has extras, please PM George first and then me.

Syonra for now,

Hank

Hank...I have been in touch with the ebay spring guy and he doesn't have anything like that.He is doing some research for us and will let us know soon.

George

[Dave72dt]

Pic of removed springs

[geopcanuk]

Pic of removed springs

Nice...just what I'm looking for.Are you interested in parting with them?

[Dave72dt]

I have no problem parting with them if they are wound in the correct direction for you. I may or may not have the latch for the other side. Over the years, 20 plus since apart, some parts have disappeared. If you're sure they're correct, send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail.

Edited December 20, 2010 by Dave72dt

[geopcanuk]

I have no problem parting with them if they are wound in the correct direction for you. I may or may not have the latch for the other side. Over the years, 20 plus since apart, some parts have disappeared. If you're sure they're correct, send me your address and I'll drop them in the mail.

Yes,they match...I'll PM you

[HanksB3B]

When you get them, after you clean them up, could you please 100% scan them and then attach the image to your next post? Even though your problem seems solved I'm sure there will be board members that will be in need.

Thanks,

Hank

[geopcanuk]

When you get them, after you clean them up, could you please 100% scan them and then attach the image to your next post? Even though your problem seems solved I'm sure there will be board members that will be in need.

Thanks,

Hank

Sure will ...no problem.

[Dave72dt]

They're in the mail. Merry Christmas.

[geopcanuk]

Thanks Dave and Hank,your generosity says tons about the excellence of this forum.Merry Christmas!

[HanksB3B]

Dave thanks for stepping up to plate. My wife probably wouldn't understand it, but I'd definitely prefer those two rusty springs in a plain envelope to a new sweater in fancy Christmas foil wrap under the tree!

Great!,

Hank

P.S. I tried getting L.H. & R.H. license plate brackets from vintagepowerwagons.com for my birthday but that didn't go over too well. I keep telling her I really don't need anything short of a 60ft sloop or a home in Montana.

[geopcanuk]

Dave thanks for stepping up to plate. My wife probably wouldn't understand it, but I'd definitely prefer those two rusty springs in a plain envelope to a new sweater in fancy Christmas foil wrap under the tree!

Great!,

Hank

P.S. I tried getting L.H. & R.H. license plate brackets from vintagepowerwagons.com for my birthday but that didn't go over too well. I keep telling her I really don't need anything short of a 60ft sloop or a home in Montana.

I'd settle for a home in California right about now.Might have to go on a road trip when the '49 is finished:D

[Dave72dt]

I'm planning on several road trips when mine is done. One east, one into MN, one to the west, maybe make the BBQ if it's still going on that year, do the west coast. Won't be this year though.

[HanksB3B]

High winds, rain, those darn palm trees and power lines don't mix. Power went out Sunday morning at 4:03 am and didn't get back online till Sunday night 10:30 pm. Then again last night around 6:30 pm till 2:30 this morning. It's supposed to clear Thursday but not before dumping another 5-6 inches of rain. California summer and fall burn areas turn to mudslides in winter. It's tough for people to see their beautiful new homes turn to rubble especially this time of year. The current storm is being generated off Hawaii so the winds are warm but laden with 90%-100% humidity. But I won't be surprised if Christmas Day is 80deg with a clear view of our 10,000 foot mountains with a snow level at 4,500 ft. I could always surf in the morning and get up to the ski areas by 12:00 noon. The furthest North I've been is the Arctic circle where I ventured into a hole in the ice, and then directly into wood fired sauna. In canada I use to see horse drawn gypsy sleighs with families in the back country with plenty of blankets. There really is no more beautiful season than winter. It's just a matter of the right clothes really.

Hank

[48Dodger]

I'm planning on several road trips when mine is done. One east, one into MN, one to the west, maybe make the BBQ if it's still going on that year, do the west coast. Won't be this year though.

I will remind you of this quote next year Dave! lol

Hank, we're gettin wet up here too, would rather have the snow, but I'm to low alt wise.....

Very productive thread George, nice work.

48D

[Young Ed]

Yes so will I. Let me know when you're in MN

[Dave72dt]

I know I can't make them all in one year. MN will be the first of the three. Gotta get it done before I plan any trips with it.

[ggdad1951]

Yes so will I. Let me know when you're in MN

ditto that

[kbuhagiar]

Just made up rods to connect to the original handles.

I had to shorten the 'axle' and weld a lever point onto the outside handle.

I also ended up moving the original internal handle to lower down on the door, this isn't a problem in my application as the door trims are missing and I have to make new ones anyway.

My striker is fitted into the cavity in the pillar where the 'wedge' that aligns the door vertically as it closes used to be.

They work really well, I need to get some photos if others are interested.

Hello wendleburger,

If you are still out there, we'd be interested in pictures of the conversion, especially of the linkage between the new latches and the outer door handle.

Thanks in advance!