1952-59 Ford 54' Door lock question

The door locks on my 54 wont lock with the key. I can pull up and down on the lock knob with ease. I can lock them by pushing the lock knobs down and then unlock them easily with the key. But I only get lots of resistance trying to lock the door using the key.

Any advice? Both doors exactly the same.

 

Which key are you using? Ignition or trunk? I'll tell you a secret, everyone avert your eyes except 54ratrod. Remove the lock cylinders from the door. There is a little SS cap over the tumblers. Remove the cap, all the tumblers, and all the springs, the put the cap back on and reinstall the cylinders. Now any 54 Ford key can lock or unlock your door, but only you know that. Hey, how many folks walkin around have a 54 Ford key? I had a Ford like that for years, just don't advertise the fact.

 

Hey Ole Don , what's your address ? I need to deliver that large inheritance in cash from your dear old Nigerian Aunty that just died !

 

I've tried both keys, but I'm pretty sure the ignition key is the one I've used and it will easily unlock the doors. Just has a ton of resistance trying to unlock them. I'm afraid the key will break off, so I don't force it.

 

Did the key ever lock the doors. If it did it would seem that lock barrel is faulty- remedy by Ole Don's method or replace the locks. If it never has, someone may have fitted the locks incorrectly- remove them from the car or remove the connecting link and try to turn the lock with the key. If the key then turns your problem is that the arm which the link fits into may be installed incorrectly.
If all that checks out ok, the problem is either the link is fouling something or the door latch mechanism is faulty. The link pin connects to a different part of the door latch mechanism than the ****on lock link. Either way you may need to remove the door latch unit - Big Job!
You could always fit electric door poppers.

 

4T6ford; That car was sold years ago. The 55 I have now locks with one key or the other, I can never remember.

 

i had that issue and i had to change out the whole set up. i bought the set from mac's with the matching key for the ignition. of course then i decided to shave my handles. i dont have an extra key but someone can have the locks if they need them.