The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Driver's Door Lock Problem

My 1950 Chevy PU driver's door won't lock. This is the door that is locked without a key (other door with key works fine). Upon closing the door tight the interior handle is supposed to be pushed into a locking position which engages the lock in the door. However, the outside handle disengages the interior handle and it opens, so it isn't locking.

I took the door panel off and looked for anything obvious and looked in the shop manual for help with this and it is of no use. Where do I go from here?

The driver's side door can only be locked from the inside. It's kind of like the problem of having to hold the button down when shutting the door to get a car door to lock.
Unfortunately this also means you have to exit the passenger side for it to remain locked.

Does anyone know whether you can adapt the driver's door latch to operate with a key lock like the passenger side?

That is a good idea, it would seem like a possibility to do. A good question to put out to the mobs to see if it has ever been done. However, I wouldn't want to do it on an existing restored truck and make a mess of a good door and paint job. If I was restoring this truck from scratch and it was all apart that would be a good time to try some thing like that.

I just want to get this door to lock, and I'm trying to find out which component in the door is preventing it from locking. I think it is this part: http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/detail/10853/Chevrolet_DOOR_LATCH_ASSEMBLY_LEFT.html and I will probably have to just bite the bullet and buy it and hope it solves the problem.

Yes, that is the part that contains the internal locking mechanism. Have you inspected yours? There will be a mechanical stop that should keep the outside handle from turning when the mechanism is in the lock position. You may have a broken tab.

My '49 did pretty much the same thing. These old mechanisms are always worn out, think how many zillion times they have been used!
Go with a new latch and get on the NEXT problem!!!

still curious as well about adding a drivers side door key lock...I realize i'm probly comparing apples to oranges, but i'm considering using the Altman easy latches and since you cant lock those from the inside and I only have a keylock on the passenger was curious if it was possible to add a key lock on that side as well........dave

Here is a link I posted December of 2009.
driver side door lock conversion

Here is the original thread if you are interested.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=85377&Number=600583#Post600583


Tim

thanks tim.....dave