I've been lurking on the group for a while now, been around the HAMB for years though. I'm in central PA and I just picked up this 55 Fairlane that already had a 302 swap at some point. Seems like a pretty solid car. Being this is the first Ford I've ever messed with, I'm sure I'll have some questions. Actually, speaking of which, here are two minor ones off the top of my head: 1. As crazy as this sounds, I can't seem to lock the doors. If I push down on the lock knob inside, then close the doors, they just pop right back up (unlock). What am I missing here? Can the doors only be locked with the key from the outside? 2. Similarly stupid question with the glove box door... does this only open/close with the key? I'm used to some sort of '****on' arrangement.
My '54 uses the key to lock the door, just like my OT Dart did. obtw, hello from Kansas and great looking ride.
Another So Cal welcome. Your car looks good. On my 56, you have to lock the door with the key. On the glovebox, the key goes in the middle of the ****on. You should be able to just push the ****on to open, only using the key to lock it.
On some of the older cars, you could lock the door by pushing down the lock pin and hold the outside door handle ****on in while closing the door. I've never tried it on my 56, don't think I ever locked the doors. Welcome to the group.
Thanks all. It looks a lot nicer in pics than it is in reality, but I think it's pretty solid overall. My glove box ****on must be froze up. It definitely doesn't push in. Further investigation seems to be in order on the door locks. Next steps for this one are getting a new tire/wheel combo put on it (the present tires have GIANT cracks in them) and driving/fixing things as I go along.
On the door locks - yours are working as designed. You must lock the doors with the key. If I recall the back doors on a 4-door will stay locked when the doors are shut but the fronts must be locked with a key if outside.
Hey, nice ride!!!! As far as the door locks go, yes....you have to use the key to lock or unlock the doors from outside, that's if everything is working properly. On my 55 Customline (same car as yours, just a lower model) I have to push in on the top of the glove box door then push in on the ****on to get it to release so it will open. Ironically, my Dad's 55 Crown Victoria has been that way as far back as I can remember!!! Give it a try, maybe that'll get you into your glove box!!! Later, RAY
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