The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Door latch adjustment? 1946

I have a 1946 Suburban and my drivers door will not open from the outside handle, but will open no problem from the inside handle. Deadbolt only goes in part way with the outside handle, but all the way in with the inside handle. What do I need to adjust? I don't see how you take it apart?

The outside handle has a square shaft that goes into the latch assembly. There is pin in that handle that holds the shaft. That could be sheared. If the handle is keyed it is more complicated. The pin holds the square shaft plus all the lock parts. I have a couple of pictures in photo bucket.

If the parts in the latch are worn, your handle may not open the latch fully. Mine does this and it sounds like yours is doing the same but more severe. Can you see which part is causing the issue and if you can bend or adjust anything?

Everything operates as it should except that turning the handle only moves the "deadbolt" about half the way. The lever that moves when you turn the handle has a curve in it. And there is a large cutout in the deadbolt that the lever moves in. I am guessing that the lever originally had more of a hump in it and as it has worn it does not move the deadbolt as much. The lever itself moves as far as it can before it bumps into the lock. And yes the lock is in the upright unlocked position.

Yeah, that's what I was referring to. There can be wear or bending in there. You might need to try and repair it somehow, or find a latch in better condition (most of the parts vendors have used stock you could start there). Mine doesn't open as much by the outside handle as the inside handle just as yours does, but it still opens enough to open the door.