Nick,

The truck would have originally had the same key for the door and ignition. I think I can help. Open the door and look for a clip that retains the lock in the door. It will be a 1/4 inch(ish) strip/tab that is visible just behind the lock. Pull on the tab and it will release the lock assembly. When you get the lock in your hand, I think you will find a four digit code on it. This will be an 8XXX or 9XXX number. Send me that number and I will make a key for you.

Mike 

@35mike 

Thanks for your reply, Mike!

Is the "strip/tab" thing what I have circled in blue in this photograph? If so, I will see about getting a number in the next few days.

 Nick

I'm not mike but yes, that's the clip that holds the lock assembly in place. A word of advise if you've never had one out before. As you remove the clip and lock, use a small flashlight to inspect how the clip works and how the lock assembly is held in place. It's not difficult at all but can make getting everything back in the correct place and functional a lot easier when you reinstall it.

Thanks, Tiny!

And that tip about the flashlight may save me some real frustration! 

Nick

Well, Shucks!

I got over to the friend's truck today and managed to pull the lock out of the door without a problem, but no code that I could see.

Nick

I took another look at my friend's 1949 pickup door lock, in a second effort to find a key code number on the device. No luck.

35Mike had suggested I take a wire brush and clean the visible surfaces of the part between the legs of the fastener which holds the paddle-shaped shaft to the lock. I did that, but was not able to find a code. 

I have posted a photo that shows one of the four surfaces where I had hoped to find a code, but was not able to.

I am posting this update so that someone in the future might know how this search progressed.

Nick

Nick,

The door lock is on the way.

Mike

@35mike 

Thanks Mike!

To catch folks up with what has been going on, I volunteered to help get a friend's 1949 Pickup passenger door to have a functioning lock...

35Mike was able to supply me with a functioning lock and key. (The key lock that was in the door had a flat bladed shaft that can be seen in the photos earlier in this string. The key lock that Mike supplied has a square shaft with a small notch off of one corner and it seems to fit into the latch mechanism in the door just fine.)

The disappointing thing is that when I installed the replacement key lock, it wouldn't turn the mechanism to lock the door.

I have never dealt with this type of lock before, so I am coming here for advice.

I assume that one would normally push the inside door handle forward to lock the door. It will not go that way. When one pulls the handle aft, the door unlocks. I reached into the door and sprayed the components with PB Blaster and worked them a bit, later sprayed them with lithium spray (also through the access hole in the door).

I have attached a number of photographs to show what I am dealing with. I don't know all the proper names of the parts, but I hope that the titles of the  pictures will assist in explaining what I have seen.

My impression is that there is something in the door latching mechanism that is not functioning properly and is keeping the locking components from engaging. When I manually move the rotating part on the door that engages with the plate on the door post, it makes some terrible scraping noises and takes real effort to move. I lubed it and it moved a very small amount better, but still resists and complains.

When I volunteered to do this favor, I foolishly thought it would be simple!

Suggestions? 

Thanks!

Nick

Sorry I can’t help from experience with working on this model.  But, the experience you’re gaining on this one will be valuable when you get to this stage with your ‘40; despite it being a bit different.  I wonder if there is a spring, under the inside door handle, like the earlier models?  It would seem likely, but I don’t know for certain? If so, maybe the spring is broken or weak? 

Cheers!

Lee

It was suggested that I might try asking about this issue on the Stovebolt website, so I have started a thread there hoping that someone will suggest next steps. The thread is at:

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1556002/passenger-side-lock-problems-49.html#Post1556002  

@nicholas-gurin From looking at the first photo it appears the arm should ride in the relief in the door panel. Possibly unbolting the relay mounting and then re-install with the arm in a lower position would help. It appears the arm is not traveling in the recess .

@steve-d,

Never having dealt with one of these before, I didn't even notice what is rather obvious now that you have pointed it out...that the link from the inner handle to the lock should probably reside in that recessed portion of the door. It would be a surprise, but a good one, if when I reposition things to allow that link to what looks to be its proper position the system moves as it should. But I can hope that it is that simple!

Thanks for pointing that out for me!

Nick

@nicholas-gurin Please let us know the results.