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

I have a broken latch spring for my 32 Packard. I got 3 different springs send to me. None of them is an exact fit. How important is getting the correct size of the spring or is close good enough?

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How close is close enough? If you want the latch to work correctly, it's got to be the same or very close to it. The position of the inner retained tab with regard to the free end needs to match quite closely. I had one fail on my 34 Eight two years ago, front right door (I believe w/o checking that there are several different spring windings dependent on which door.) My latches were made by English & Mersick and these springs are rather easily found at the larger flea markets in my area like Rhinebeck NY where I got mine. Vendor had a compartmented box with dozens of different ones. I might have a few extras but yours does appear to be for a different door. Which door is yours from? Are your latches also English & Mersick? I will take a look at my extras over the weekend and compare to your picture.

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Mine are from a 32 coupe roadster 903.

Yes, I understand that yours are from a 1932, but if your latches are English & Mersick chances are the springs are the same, Packard used the same latch maker for more than a decade. Here's a sample of some that I have, see if any match yours, if not I probably have some more. Remember to also flip the images for comparison, the top two for example are the same spring, just flipped over.

If you see a match close enough that you want to try it, just send me a PM with your mailing address.

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The one one the right, second for the top looks like a perfect fit. Using an Ipad screen,I scaled your pictures with my fingers I was able to overlay mine on top that one. And the overall length looked correct. BTW, touch screens get confused when you lay metal on top of them. LOL

Rec'd and responded to your PM. Will have the spring in the mail to you by next Monday at the latest.

Many thnaks for your effort and kindness.

One additional potential source:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1932-1940-Packard-Door-Latch-Lock-Springs-/160818016346?hash=item257180305a&item=160818016346&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

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Dave,

I received the spring today. It's pretty close but it's not an exact match. I was going to try and use it, The upper tang is slightly longer. Do you think it will work?

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Thanks. If you notice mine has only two loops of the spring while these have three.