1940 Plymouth Trunk Handle removal/replacement

[Andydodge]

My Oz 1940 Dodge is based on the US 1940 Plymouth and uses the 1940 Plymouth Trunk Handle and licence plate light......the problem is that the handle is now 74yrs old and there is quite a deal of slop/movement where the handle goes thru the diecast "mount". The handle is held onto the diecast piece via a crimped ferrul from underneath the diecast mount and appears that it should have had a pressed metal sleeve or similar that would have stopped excessive wear on both the diecast handle and the diecast mount..........my problem is that I don't want to ruin either piece if I can help it and I was wondering if anyone has attempted any sort of repair on this type of handle by making and installing a made up ferrul or washer.......I would assume that the cars up to the late 40's would have had a similar arrangement but living in the country I don't know of any other late 30's-40's mopar to check out........there are a few 2nd hand and NOS 1940 handles on ebay but I am not sure whether the wear in the diecast mount will be an issue also........have attached a pic showing the rear of the car and the handle....thanks..andyd

[1941Rick]

Good timing Andy. I had the same issue with my 41......I went to a hardware store and found a plastic pipe fitting that would slide over the shaft of the handle. 

Then ground away the outer plastic until I had a very thin bushing. Nice and snug now.

Good luck

[Andydodge]

Rick, so how did you install the plastic sleeve, I assume you pulled the handle/mount apart.......interesting you mention a 41 model as I did have a 41 Coupe and yrs ago found a stash of NOS 1941 Plymouth centre taillights so have had one for yrs, but no handle on it.............anyway how did you go removing the crimped on ferrul that holds the handle on.....removing it is one thing but I'm loath to buggar it taking it off and then not being able to really secure it back on........the crimping is the issue, or at least something else or another way to hold it back on...........thanks, andyd