The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Door Handles, Direction, and Door Locks

As my 52 had no original doors I have a few questions. I was putting in the regulators and door controls and notice some things that don't make sense...at least to me!!

1. From the inside, does BOTH door handles OPEN the door by pulling UP. If so, I must have the wrong door control on the left side and need to order one as its backwards to the right side which has a new one.

2. In 1952 was the door lock only on the right side as earlier models or was/could it be on both sides. I only have one lock and choose to put it on the drivers side. I can't see as where it makes any difference as it has nothing to do with the door latch itself just only in the "button".

3. This may pertain to the way the door opens with the door handle.... but is the door handle suppose to be in an "upright" position, or is the door handle in a downward position? Over the years I think I've seen them both ways but which one is correct.

4. This is a "random" question.
In the shop manual, the addition for 1952, it shows the door control arm at an angle and it is held in place with three screws. Where you screw it to the door it has a "triangular" shape head. There is an indention in the door that looks to me like it would make more sense to turn the "triangular" head upside down so that it fit snug in the indention, use two screws, and the control arm would be straight and in its indention......I realize if you turn it upside down it changes the way the door handle works, right? .... but is there a reason for this??
It looks to me that with the door control arm at an angle over the indention that it would rub the back of the doors cardboard door panel.

I'm thinking I need to order the left door control because mounted the way that its "suppose" to be the handle works backwards....thats what I think.

What say the experts??.........thanks

Alvin,

1. I think that both inside door handles should open by pulling up towards the rear (from about a 8pm on driver's side and 4pm position on passenger's side; 6pm position would be the locked position on both sides).

2. The original position for the exterior door lock was on the passenger's side; however, it was possible for an owner/dealer to put the lock (or, an additional lock) on the driver's side.

3. Interior door handle positions?

1954 interior door handle on the driver's side and in the unlocked position

1954 interior door handle on passenger's side and in the locked position.

4. I will go out and check a few doors that I have the cardboard off and will report back (and I will correct anything I stated incorrectly, above).

Tim

Thank you Tim. So far that is pretty much how I remember it from an AD I owned back in 1971.

When you check the doors you have I suspect what I need to get everything up to parr is a new left door regulator!!
Thanks again.

Alvin,

"4. This is a "random" question.

In the shop manual, the addition for 1952, it shows the door control arm at an angle and it is held in place with three screws. Where you screw it to the door it has a "triangular" shape head. There is an indention in the door that looks to me like it would make more sense to turn the "triangular" head upside down so that it fit snug in the indention, use two screws, and the control arm would be straight and in its indention......I realize if you turn it upside down it changes the way the door handle works, right? .... but is there a reason for this??

It looks to me that with the door control arm at an angle over the indention that it would rub the back of the doors cardboard door panel.

There is a left and right control mechanism.

The "control arm" does not fit in the groove. A anti-rattle pad goes on the high spot in the door, where the rod goes over the high spot. I'll post a diagram from the Factory Asssembly Manual, if you want it.

Tim

Tim, Thank You for taking the time to help keep the record straight. I understand about the anti rattle stuff. I got to looking around at the stuff I already bought and put up and I have all those "cushions" and plastic washers and stuff. My how we forget soooo soon. Everyone needs to take note as to how important pictures and labeling is..... if its correct when you tear it apart!!
I think I'm straight now. I do need to order a new left door control but for now I need to get the windows set in the wing vent....right after I use up some choice words trying to put the little swivel rivets in the pivot place of the wing vent! UGH

I own a 46 chevy 1/2 ton; streetrod style. I have an outside lock only on passenger side because "in the day" leaving the drivers side was dangerous. The handles in my truck are mounted so you pull up/forward to open so the kids resting their arms on the handle wouldnt open on them. Seatbelts are good to add for all vehicles. Today, its a personal preference.

During the 1948 model year, the action of the inside door handle was reversed (compared to the 1947 and early 1948 Advance-Design trucks), supposedly making it more easy to operate. The door (handle) opener was now pulled (up and toward the seat) to open.

Tim