1939 LZ Sedan Door Latches

[jord]

My door latch opens the door from the inside but has a hard time opening from the outside, replaced both springs and but still nothing. When I operate it from the inside it retracts almost fully, but not when operated by the handle. Can this be repaired? or will the 1938 to40 ford latch work?

 

Also where does the drain line from the front vent come out in the engine compartment, cannot find any photos showing it

 

Thanks 

 

[Matt Harwood]

I bet someone bent the square exterior handle shank to make the handle hang straight and now it can no longer turn far enough to retract the latch. That's a frequent "fix" from the tractor mechanics.

[jord]

Thanks Tom

I understand what you are saying but I believe inside the latch is where the problem lies. The interior door handle pulls the latch  all the way in, but the outside pulls it in just short of the mark. I can operate it while in my hand and get 1/16 inch less than full retraction.   I cannot buy them, they are unavailable now. I will take it apart again and look inside

[jord]

Repaired, found out that the one lever was worn out so I welded on an extra piece of metal to build it back up and now it pulls it in all the way. 

Thanks Matt

[Ken/Alabama]

Drain tube goes here.