Re: 1948 door latch

Posted by HH56 On 2017/5/12 11:04:53

Even removing the seat I wonder if it will be possible to remove the window molding and door panel without damage. I believe they are well recessed behind the windlace.

I don't have an answer other than trying to unscrew the door from the hinges and see if the front edge will push out and forward past the fender enough to let the latch slide forward away from the striker. Keeping the door from falling and not scratching the paint will be a challenge if that would even work.

You might be able to use a pneumatic cold chisel to remove the plate and guts to get the door open but if the latch isn't kaput now it sure would be after that process.

IMO, drilling the B pillar would be a last resort. For one you would have holes to fill and two, it is going to be extremely difficult to drill the screws holding the striker without destroying the capture plate or maybe even the striker. If you try drilling past the striker to the screws holding the latch itself, lining the holes up blind will be quite the challenge.