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I’m having a problem with the driver’s side door latch on my 56 DeSoto 2 dr hardtop.
It will not remain locked when locked when using the key from outside or from the inside using the handle. The slider within the latch slides into “lock position” as it should, but then slips back to unlock position when force is put on the exterior door handle to open the door.
It seems as if it should remain in “lock” position, but it doesn’t.
I’ve checked all the latch springs and none are missing and seem ok. The latch has been thoroughly cleaned and lubed too. I’ve attached some photos below to illustrate. Any ideas as to what’s wrong?
It appears that neither the inside door handle nor the key is fully engaging the linkage to the "lock" position. This probably requires the inside door panel to be removed so you can see the mechanism/linkage in question.
Good luck and hope this helps.
Fred
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Hi Fred:
I removed the door panel and also removed the latch and latch release bar mechanism for cleaning and oiling. Everything moves smoothly, but the lock slider moves into unlock position under force... thinking that it should "click lock" into the lock position, but it doesn't....can anyone confirm this? See attached photo
It appears that something is either not letting the "slider" to stay up in the lock position or it's not reaching it all the way up with the key or the inside door handle. From outside of the car, if you hold the key all the way in the lock position, can you still pull the outside handle and open the door, or will it hold the slider up to the point the door handle is now blocked not allowing to open the door? Whichever the case may be, it should give you the insight to be able to correct the problem.
Other than this, I am out of suggestions but maybe David Frank could help as he is restoring a '56 DeSoto Fireflite as we speak and may be more informative than I.
Fred
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Follow up on my door lock -- not remaining locked:
I opened up the latch just enough to remove the handle actuating lever......found that the piece that prevents the door from opening when locked had snapped off. (see photo) Got some flat stock and fashioned a new piece. I'll have to tack weld the unit back together because the "fold over" tab broke.
Hope this helps others with the same problem....applies only to '55-'56, Chrysler, DeSoto and Imperials with pull type handles.
It looks like my suspicion was right in that something, or in this case the lack of something, was not reaching the point to prevent the movement necessary to block the latch.
Glad you were able to learn what needs to be done to fix the problem and wish you success in doing so.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
