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In an earlier thread I discussed removing outside door handles on my 56. Ready to reassemble, but......

When I removed them, I saw no evidence of weather sealing such as O-rings or gaskets......

It appears that you line up the latch, press the handles home and slide the spring into the door as needed.

No weather sealing?

Correct.

Other cars and earlier Packards have gaskets, but they are not weather sealing. Thopse handles mount on the painted surface of the body adn the function of the gaskets is to keep the paint from chipping.

Plenty of rain gets into the door via the lower edge of the window

If it makes u feel better put a small rolled up string of DUm-dum around the door handle. Kanter probably sells Dum-Dum or any GM dealer if they still carry it. Do NOT use silicone or any alcohol or other paint compromising sealer!!! Silicone can never be removed. YEars later if need to paint door the silicone will still be there and the paint will never stick.

Look at the bottom flat horizontal surface of the door. There should at least 2wo drain holes a t the bottom of the door. Make sure the drain holes are not plugged up.

NEarly every paassenger car and lite truck i've ever seen over the last 40 -60 years has such drain holes. Several i've seen will fill up with 1/2 to 2 gallons of water if drain holes are plugged up.

What I ususally use to feel better is a nice glass of wine. Years later when I paint the door the effect of the wine is long gone.

What I usually use to feel better is a nice glass of wine. Years later when I paint the door the effect of the wine is long gone.

Great suggestion, and it covers so many situations. Give yourself a solid chocolate egg for this one!

The problem occurs when we start hiding our own Easter eggs.