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

For what it's worth, here are before and after photos of 1940 convertible latches, with a broken bobby pin and a new one from John Ulrich. I also got the snail springs, but found them impossible to install. None of mine were broken. I was led to believe that these spring updates would correct droopy door handles on my car, but they did not.

The slot the handle shaft goes into is so worn, the handle falls forward. Bulking up and regrinding the shafts, wow, it you got that slightly off either way, start over. Heating up the shaft is the solution I've heard offered, but again, it's and eyeball trial and error (but less work that bulking/grinding) to correct.

I think a new method needs to be developed that's adjustable as time goes on.
Perhaps some kind of insert into the latch to hold the shaft in selectable positions held by a set screw.

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