Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hello,
I have a drooping door exterior handle on my '39 Super 8. I have new springs and can see where the broken spring is but I wonder if there is a trick to removing the door lock to replace the spring.

It looks somewhat straight forward but I wonder if it is not. I have searched both here and on the Internet and have found no informantion. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Rick

Hi Rick; I just had a 42 180 apart, they should be the same. You need to take all the handles and cranks off inside and out, the window frame, then the door panel off- you must use plastic tools and be right next to and on the clips or you can damage the board the upholstery is on. start at the bottom and do the top two last so they support the panel as you work. next take the three screws out of the inner door handle support, the end that hooks to the lock will come off when turned 90 degrees. unscrew the lock screw and (window up) slide the lock down until you can turn it around the window channel. John Ulrich sells the springs. Good luck

Good to know as I have the same problem.

Hello,
I also have the same problem, however I was wondering once the latch lock mechanism is removed how do you replace the spring itself. Does anyone have photo or instruction how to actually replace the spring itself.
Thank you Roberto

I believe the fellow in El Sobrante, ca. sells the springs? Need to be cleaned and lubricated. Sometimes sagging handles is due to sagging door, and not the latch.

I replace the larger spring on mine and the door handle does not droop as badly as before but there is a second spring that I did not replace. That smaller spring should be replaced at the same time I believe.

The locks in my '39 Super 8 were surprisingly clean inside. Not as dirty as I expected. I used lithium grease on the internals of the lock. I was taught to retract the lock when closing the doors as a child and I still do that most times on my Super 8.

Rick
'39Super 8 (1703)