MTFCA Forum

I have a lazy, drooping outside door handle on a 27 coupe. Is there a way to rebuild the door opening/locking mechanism by replacing a spring, or do I need to replace the whole assembly? If my assembly can be repaired, how difficult a job is it?

Terry,

When the door is swung open, does the handle still droop, or does it only droop when the door is shut? If it always droops, then the trouble is likely within the door latch mechanism itself. If it only droops when shut, then I'm thinking that the latch bolt is not fully engaging with the striker in the door frame.

Terry, this recent thread will be a big help if you need to rebuilt your latches:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48351

Edited to add a big Thank You! to Vern for taking the time and effort to document his latch rebuilt process so well!

Lang’s has 26-27 door latch repair repair kits. You can call them to see if the ones they have are for the closed car latches or open cars. https://www.modeltford.com/item/5679-80RK.aspx
Hope this helps.

I posted those photos on the forum back in May/June because I could not find any detailed info. I'm glad they help so soon.
Yes, there is a kit available and I recommend it. Will it solve your issue? I dunno.
Some of the hard parts get worn and you need to become a blacksmith, or learn to weld.
I learned that left and right sides share symmetrical parts to the extent that Ford could get away with.
A worn part may only be 1/16" off original.
Take photos before you begin, photos during the disassemble process.
Put the handle back on the the latch after it is removed from the door and observe where the lazy slop is coming from.

ModelTWoods wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 04, 2025 10:35 am

If my assembly can be repaired, how difficult a job is it?

Yes, it can be repaired. "Difficult" and be called "fun" if you decide to.

I found out the problem wasn't my latch, after all. The problem was a rusted, broken spring inside the outside door handle escutcheon. Lucky, I had an extra outside door handle with no plating and was basically, junk. I removed the spring from it and now all I have to do is reassemble on my good plated handle's shaft and crimp the retainer in place.