The shaft on the door handles is steel, as is the latch mechanism. So if you're handy with a welder, you could build up the worn spots and file them down to the right profile. But unless there's a ton of play, I don't think I'd bother. Or you might be able to put some shim stock in along side the shaft. But getting that to stay in place might be tricky.

Good work. Perseverance pays off. thumbs_up

Now might be a good time to modify that latch to use the key lock.

[on edit] good work on the pics, too!

Last edited by klhansen; 07/05/2026 10:36 PM.

Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.