ClassicCar

Martin200

Had a bad thing happen on the '54 Manhattan recently: After a short drive, I open the driver's door only to hear a sickening "snap-ping-tink-a-link" inside the door. Right away I noted that the inner door handle would not return to vertical on its own, that I had to bring it back manually ("okay, the door handle return spring broke" I thought). Found out to my relief that the door will still latch and open/close properly, so it is still driveable, but it cannot be locked-- neither the button on the window sill nor the exterior lock using the key will work any more.

Is this a relatively easy enough fix that an auto body or auto upholstery shop with some good classic car experience should still be able to fix it? Or will this require special K-F parts to fix? I do not have the means to take the door panel off since I have no manuals or diagrams, and I do not want to wreck what is otherwise an excellent door panel. Any advice or expertise would be appreciated. Thanx.... Tom

Oldcar_Mechanic

I would think a reputable body shop should be able to help you. This is something that they have been doing for years, but I would look for one that's been around for a while. They shouldn't need any expertise in K-F, just good common sense.

Maybe you should consider buying a manula for the car and save yourself all the trouble and money that you will spend on these little things that happen.

Best of luck with the problem

Ron

JasonNC

This is a real simple fix. There is a bent wire that operates the button and the locking mechanism that has fallen out. It is lying on the inside of the door. Taking the door panels off is not that difficult, just use a screw driver to carefully pop the fasteners. I fixed my own several times since this is something you can expect to happen again. Buy a manual and you will see how simple it is to fix.

Jason

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