The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 49 door locks??

ok, I hope this doesn't sound ignorant.... but umm.... my 49 chevy 3600 only has a keyhole on the passenger side door. this doesn't make any sense to me. Could it be a different door from a different year? Thanks.

well, it does seem a little goofy from todays perspective, but that's the way all the trucks were up to the 60's - you can switch the keyed handle to the drivers side if that makes life easier for ya, or you can even get another lock setup for the 2nd side

I think it originated because it was 'safer' to enter and exit the vehicle on the off-road side

Bill

The door lock thing was required by law in some areas until the '60s - you weren't supposed to exit a parallel-parked vehicle except through the curb side. Therefore, you locked the driver's door from the inside, and climbed out through the passenger side.

If your '49 still has the drop-down handle doors, you're mostly stuck on the door lock. The only way I know of to get a driver's side key lock is to switch to doors with the push-button handles and vent windows (1952-1955.1). I think there are kits to eliminate the vent windows on those doors. If you have the push-button doors handles, you can have another lock button keyed to match your original lock button, and have one on each side.

Old Car and Truck Nut: Thanks for posting the question. I've wondered that same thing a couple of times myself. Here's one for the curious, my 46 has one lock on the passenger side, like your 49. However, my 52 has a single lock on the driver's side. Never has made sense to me. Good luck with your project.

Thanks guys, your explanation was what i wanted to hear. I'm restoring the truck as an original so the lock will stay on the passenger side.

Jed, a past owner swapped the lock button from the passenger side to the driver's side. You can get another button from anyone who sells used parts, and get it re-keyed to match your locks at any locksmith for a small charge.

GMC Panel, Thanks for that piece of information. I've been confused about that one for a while. Just never made sense, and never thought to look at another truck when I had the opportunity. The getting another lock for the passenger side is a great idea. Old Car and Truck Nut... I guess what they say here is true. There are no dumb questions. If you're wondering, chances are that someone else is or has in the past.

hey, guys. some new chevy are like that. my son's
2005 chevy colorado, only has a key hole on the driver's side.

i guess, new is old again.....