The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Doors Let's take a door lock vote

Real quick. 1950 3100. No door lock on driver, one on passenger door. Read the theories and reasons... seems kinda cool and unique.

Now, should I stay original or add a lock?


Side note... I need all door inner hardware, anyone know a good source without going broke? About to paint in a couple weeks.

I think it is cool and unique as you have stated. Now if it was a daily driver and I needed to lock the truck up every day, it may get old. If it is an occasional pleasure ride, its cool as it is.

I think Paul nailed it. Leave alone unless a daily driver. It would get old sliding across the seat every time you lock it up. I only responded because when asking for a vote I assume you wanted more than one opinion. I vote for Paul's approach.

1951 3100

I'm at that point now. Have restored both doors, new glass, new channels, etc. Want outside keyed locks on both doors. Searched on here, found where 'coilover' modified a driver's side latch to accommodate the lock. Pretty simple and straightforward as to what he did. I took what he did and changed it up a shade. Soon as my new locks get here, I'll know whether it works or not, but I see no reason why it shouldn't. If it works as planned, I'll post some pictures of what I did. If it fails, I'm keeping my mouth shut, (at least until I can make it so it DOES work).

My 51 will not be a daily driver, but in this day and age, I want to be able to lock my stuff.

Mike

The last time I thought about this issue was a couple of weeks ago. BTW, not a daily driver. I went for a dentist appointment. Parked in a stall, Then somebody parked on my passenger side. I exited the drivers side, then came around to the passenger side, from behind the vehicle. Had to wait for the driver in her car to get out. She stared at me briefly like I was going to mug her or something. Since she didn't get out, I walked up to my passenger side, opened the door, crawled in and reached to lock the drivers door, then closed and locked the passenger door. Then I went about my business. Otherwise, the truck stays open most of the day. I open it in the morning and lock it up at night. Outside of that, I don't think about it.

I've seen where a few of you have used a different locking handle. I can see using one at some point. This just seemed so unique I'm curious just how many people leave it stock.

My '53 is my daily driver. In fact it's the only vehicle I have. I rarely ever lock my truck so for the most part I don't mind the original setup. At times it can be a pain in the rear, like when you've got new truck parts, groceries (beer), or some other obstacle sitting on the passenger seat and you can't slide in or reach across to lock or unlock the door.

On a side note; I was set up at an art show last weekend and left my truck unlocked. The next day, looking at pictures people had posted on facebook of the show, I found a picture of some guy sitting in my truck with a big stupid grin on his face. I'm still POed.

1951 and earlier used the turn-down exterior handles, which had to use the separate lock cylinder.

1952 and later used push button door handles, but isn't the lock cylinder incorporated in the pushbutton on these?

Mike

"1952 and later used push button door handles, but isn't the lock cylinder incorporated in the pushbutton on these? "

Yes

http://www.classicparts.com/1952-59-Outside-Door-Handles/productinfo/18-107/#.WWVLuhPyudE
http://www.classicparts.com/1952-54-Outside-Door-Lock-w_-Key/productinfo/18-148/#.WWVL0xPyudE
http://www.classicparts.com/1952-54...-Locks/productinfo/18-148M/#.WWVL5RPyudE
http://www.classicparts.com/1952-66-Outside-Handle-Gasket-Set/productinfo/18-166/#.WWVMERPyudE

Echo the earlier thoughts, on a daily driver it can be a pain to go around to lock the door every time, but it is unique to the vehicle. Where I live locking it daily is not an issue as it is in the garage nights and I seldom lock it during the day. Convenience vs keeping some things original.

Enjoy the ride - the little things along the way are what makes it so much fun.

my vote, leave it original. Luckily I have the 52 but I never lock it unless I'm sleeping in it. I try never have anything worth more than a pack of gum left in it when I park it. So far...so good.

I've always been curious as to why the lock was on the passenger side and not the driver? Thinking possibly because back then most people parallel parked on the street and would allow you to exit to the curb and lock the vehicle there? spitballing here. I'll leave mine as it is. I honestly doubt anyone could even get it to start, i mean, who thinks about a foot stomp starter pedal?? Mine won't be a DD, but will get driven around town time to time. I figure I'll take that extra couple of minutes, scoot across the seat, and lock it up tight, just in case.

See why I got a panel truck? Tools, parts and groceries stored safe and dry in the back.

My vote on door locks: Keep it original.

My '50 is the same. I simply do not bother to lock it. Don't ever leave anything of major value in the cab.

I re-keyed another push button to fit the same key, and put it in the driver side door handle. Simple, boom, bam, done!
There may have been some shortening of the push button shaft, it was 25 yrs ago.
Now one key fits the whole truck. Front doors, glove box, ignition, rear barn door, gas cap.