imported_Phil Knapp Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 I've been making VERY slow progress on my recently acquired "pasture fresh" 1941 Zephyr convertible project car. Having sat outdoors in South Dakota for an unknown number of years, EVERYTHING is rusted SOLID! http://community.webshots.com/album/547784099zrftQjI finally got the left door off (broken lower hinge, but that's another project) and got the window regulators, window tracks, and glass out of the door after liberal, repeated applications of KROIL and WD-40. The door latch has always refused to latch and always pops back to the "unlatch" position (on both doors). Now I'm at the point where I think I can remove the latch mechanism from the door, but it won't come out! It's loose, nothing holding it, but I can't get it out of the door. It just rattles around in it's little space and I'm beginning to suspect that they built the door around the latch! (I'll post a photo when I get a chance). I have a working door latch that I removed from a parts car about 30 years ago, but I have forgotten how I removed it - probably with an acetylene torch! Has anybody ever removed one of these? If so, HOW?? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no more Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 CALL L.D ARRINGTON...HE RUINED, I MEAN HOTRODDED A 40 LZ CONV......AND OFFERED ME WINDOW PARTS AT THE FRIENDLY CLUB MEMBER PRICE OF $500 ..MAYBE HE WILL SELL TO YOU (POPULAR CLUB GUY) AT BETTER PRICE.JBOOTHLZOC 1232oHIo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Phil Knapp Posted August 24, 2006 Author Share Posted August 24, 2006 I don't think I need any window parts. All my window parts are there. Rusty, but salvageable. My immediate problem is the door lock and latch. I just got a poor photo of the lock and latch mechanism and I think I might just be able to get it out without cutting the door apart! Another big time KROIL & WD-40 opportunity. There seems to be a cage around the door lock cylinder which might slide up and out. Then, after removing the lock cylinder (good luck with that), the latch mechanism might just drop right out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no more Posted August 24, 2006 Share Posted August 24, 2006 PHIL, CHK EBAY AUCTIONS COMPLETED...I AM CERTAIN THAT THERE WERE SOME DOOR LATCHES IN RECENT DAYS....MAYBE UNSOLD...THEY WERE '41'S I DO BELIEVE...GOOD LUCKJ BOOTHoHIo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_V12Bill Posted August 25, 2006 Share Posted August 25, 2006 Phil, To remove the latch assembly first push the latch down to lock it and align it with the hole in the door. Remove the four screws that hold the latch to the door and remove the inside door opener. The rod of the opener goes into a hole in the latch and holds the latch in the door. The latch may now be fished out of the door and around the key cylinder works..Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Phil Knapp Posted August 25, 2006 Author Share Posted August 25, 2006 Thanks for the advice, Bill. If it ever cools off a bit here in Central Texas, I'll give it a try. I have removed the window tracks and glass and my initial attempts at removing the latch mechanism this way were unsuccessful. This has been the hottest August EVER on record here - 100 degrees + nearly every day and my barn is not air conditioned, so I don't get to work on the car very much!I have been impressed by the construction of this car. It's REALLY "built Ford (Linoln) tough"! Too bad somebody left it out in the weather WAY too long. It probably would have been crushed had it not been a convertible. Just look at the construction of this window frame. They don't build them like this any more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
no more Posted August 26, 2006 Share Posted August 26, 2006 It looks just like my glass back in the 70's" little rollers..rubber channel etc i had a hell of a time getting the proper rubber in the frame ..and still not quite right with felt in channels...2/3 tries for vent rubber..back then no one seemd to believe it wasnt a continetal..with very differant vent window design.....top bows were equally fun to obtain..maybe ok now that there are a few out there...i love to look at Clay Nichols beautiful 41 blue car..it is in lots of coffee table books...what ever happened to Mr Nichols??remember mrs stoekles lincoln: "zephyr hermes (40 sedan)??j .boothoHIolzoc 1232 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Phil Knapp Posted August 26, 2006 Author Share Posted August 26, 2006 Thanks for the advice Bill,I was able to remove the latch this morning. It took some prying and bending, but it's OUT! Nothing is broken and I'm sure I can rehabilitate the latch. What a complex piece just to hold a door shut.The other door should be easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now