1938 D-8 Door lock removal

[Guest Kensf53]

I'am trying to remove the door lock on a 1938 D-8 sedan for paint, the little screw on the door edge is broken, one side of the flat screw, and rusted so it will not come out. Any ideas don't know how big the screw is to try and drill out or how deep to go. Thanks

[keiser31]

Don't know about the depth, but if you were able to braze a nut on the head of the screw, you might be able to unscrew it with a small wrench. I have seen it done a few times.

[jpage]

I believe that the screw is a 10-24x1 cone point. The screw is also recessed in the door so the top is flush. Try soaking the screw in a rust penetrant and with a "left handed " drill bit (1/8 dia.) CAREFULLY drill out the screw. With the left handed bit it should catch and actually back the screw out without having to drill the whole length. The trick is to keep the hole centered. You may have to buy several bits in smaller increments and work your way up to the 1/8. Left handed bits can be purchased at a good industrial tool supply or good hardware. Good luck!

[1936 D2]

Is there room inside the door to get a Dremel with cutoff wheel in there tight to where the screw enters the lock housing? That way you could cut off the broken screw flush to the lock, pull the lock and finish working on it outside the car.