A couple weeks ago I started a thread about the broken latch springs in my Model A, and where I might be able to get replacements. I was able to source a couple of the handle return springs, but struck out on the latch return springs. I'm sure someone out there has them, but I came up with a fix that I believe will work as good as the originals. While I was at it, I addressed a couple of worn areas on the latches. Here's one of the broken latch return springs, for which I couldn't find replacements. And one of the new handle return springs that I did get from a member of the local Model A club. Thanks Dan McFarland! A photo of the new handle return spring, installed. The latch pins were well worn at the pivot locations..... ...and the holes in the latches and latch bodies were worn oblong. There was also some significant wear on the latches where they contact the striker, from lots of years of body flex rubbing the two components together. A quick touch of the MIG to the worn area built it up nicely. I'll blend the surface with the grinder later. Since the holes in the latch and latch body were worn oblong, I decided that an overbore and new pins was in order. I can now honestly say my Model A has a 0.0625 overbore. A spring is a spring, and you can turn a "stretchy" spring..... ....into a "torsion" spring. It just takes a little bending. The hardest part of the whole process was getting the spring, pin, latch and latch body to all line up for re***embly. It all works real well, and took just over an hour to rebuild both of the latches. Here's a video link after it's all ***embled. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P9qJLqrmIFg
you did a fantastic rebuild it really keeps the integrity of the ***embly . A suggestion you can also harden the ends of the pins and the pin boss area so it will last another century . The question I have for you is : Is the door handle action REALLY as factory new ? Really it's an honest question these things do matter .
You did a great job of restoring your lock but Bratton's Antique Auto Parts, 800-255-1929 has every part you need to restore the locks. The complete spring set is $15.00, PN 32060.
I can't honestly answer that because I've never been near a factory new Model A. The newest ones are 23 years older than I am. BUT, there is no play anywhere in these except for the very slight wear on the square handle shaft where it engages the rotary "thing" that operates the latch. I'd guess it's quite close to how they were when they rolled out the factory door.
All of the major suppliers, including Brattons, do not have these springs, nor do they have window regulator springs. Most of them tell me they are "on national backorder" and have been for a year or so. The only ones I've been able to find have been in peoples personal stashes.
That is quite believable as I am finding I also am now producing my own pieces of ***emblies not available and that includes alot of carburator parts I am astonished because you do see a slew of websites of every car variety that site says they have and and they have not , so I find I am buying lots of original ***emblies to make it worthwhile to build what I need and put a couple away for future car builds
You have a good sample to work with, that’s a start. You could contact Vodvarka Springs. I’ve worked with them to reproduce unobtanium springs before. You might have to buy a dozen to make it worth their setup time, but they’re nice to work with.
I was able to get those thru CW Moss antique Ford parts last year, as Bratton’s and Snyder’s were out of stock.
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