Re: Dragging door and lock fix

Posted by HH56 On 2016/4/21 21:23:45

Assuming the hinge pins have not worn due to lack of lubrication you might possibly be able to adjust the problem out. You will have to remove the door panel for any work though so we'll start there.

If you don't have a printed service manual I would suggest you download the body section of the 46-50 service manual.https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/servicemanual4650/Section4.pdf It has a fairly decent writeup and some photos on the procedure for removing the panel. In a nutshell you have to remove the garnish molding around windows, push the handle escutcheons back against springs to expose and remove the pins holding the handles and then use a clip tool or a broad thin but strong bar to pull the clips out of holes in the inner door skin. Armrests may or may not have to be removed before the panel can come off. It depends on model. One caution on the door panel. If original, it is some kind of masonite material and by now may be very dry and brittle. Try to position the tool as close to the clip as you can when prying it out so as not to pull or break the clip out of the slot or hole in the masonite.

Once the panel is off you can see the hinge attachments to the door. One may have loosened or slipped. If pins are worn you can possibly move the bolts in the slots enough to get the door back to some kind of alignment. That is also covered but be advised, the doors are HEAVY so use a floor jack or some means of holding and raising the rear end of door while you loosen the bolts holding the hinge leaf. It is hard but try not to sit or put any weight in the car as you work on the door because your added weight messes things up if the door end is being held up with a jack. With luck you can raise the rear and take care of the sag problem. If the pins are badly worn you may have to find better hinges. There is an oil hole in the center of the moving portion of hinge so a few drops would be a good idea..

The lock may have broken a piece of potmetal on the shaft which connects the lock cylinder to the latch mechanism. No advice until you remove it and see what is happening. The body section also shows the procedure to remove the cylinder assy.