Visited the locksmith

[Sniper]

Took all the locks on the Cambridge, except the ignition lock, to a local locksmith today.  I have no keys for any of them but the ignition lock and it's an aftermarket replacement that does not use the same key as the original.  We'll see how they do on rekeying them, they claimed they could and this place has been around since the 30's, but none of those guys I saw were older than me, lol. 

 

One thing though, the driver's side exterior handle droops down rather than staying horizontal like the passenger side.  It used to until a couple weeks ago when something went snap when I turned it.  I suspect a spring broke.  The service manual is useless here and I could find nothing searching, here or on the 'net in general.  Anyone have a pic on how that is supposed to be set up and a lead on the spring I probably need?  I see some listed but am not sure if they are the ones I need as they don't really say if its for the inside handle or the exterior handle.   

 

Thanks in advance

[ccudahy]

Found these springs on epay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-1950-1951-1952-Dodge-Chrysler-Plymouth-DeSoto-Door-Lock-Latch-Springs-/164553784924

 

Maybe this might give a little bit of a guide. Droopy Door Handles -  

 

 

 

Edited January 22, 2021 by ccudahy

[Sniper]

I saw those, but am unsure if those are what I need.  I suppose I ought to take the pass side out and see.  Probably do that this weekend.

[ccudahy]

In the Droopy Door Handles thread that spring is the culprit. I have been rereading that one the drivers side droops on my Plymouth, also.

Edited January 22, 2021 by ccudahy

[Sniper]

Thanks for the link to the thread.  I tried searching but never thought to used droopy door handles as a search term, lol. 

 

I ordered those springs you linked to as well. 

[Sniper]

Got my locks back from the locksmith today.  Both doors and the trunk on one key, the glove box on another.  Just under $63 with two of each key. 

 

Thanks to Dix Key shop.

[keithb7]

Seems the young folks there do indeed have things under control. 
Us old farts can be skeptical. ?
 

Glad to hear it all worked out. 

[Sniper]

Reinstalled all the locks today, all of them work fine.

 

One thing I did learn was that with the droopy handle on the driver side I have to lift the handle up or the lock wants to bind, no issues on the pass side so I suspect once my new springs come in I ought to be able to address that.

[RobertKB]

On 1/25/2021 at 11:03 AM, Sniper said:

Got my locks back from the locksmith today.  Both doors and the trunk on one key, the glove box on another.  Just under $63 with two of each key. 

 

Thanks to Dix Key shop.

 

Every town or city should have at least one old locksmith, or shop that have people willing to work on the older stuff. I am fortunate to have one where I live and they have made keys, re-keyed, or opened locks with lost keys for me many times on my old Mopar cars. I had to get a new ignition key cut for my 1963 Ford ? Fairlane 500 and they even had original Ford blanks. They have been in business for at least the 40 years I have dealt with them, probably longer as it's family owned but all their employees are willing to go the extra distance for you.

 

I have heard of other places where as soon as you say I need a key for this lock from a 1951 Pl..................they say no can do or not interested.