VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 39 Sedan Trunk Handle

I've had no luck finding a replacement original trunk handle for my 39 Master Deluxe Town Sedan. Even the reproduction handles are no longer being produced and nobody has any old stock. I wonder if mine can be repaired.

The handle spins on the lock cylinder and shaft with the locking pin. Is this something I can have welded? Or would the weld spots interfere with the handle operation? Any advice would be appreciated.

I would think you could drill a tiny hole and insert a pin to lock in place.

A couple of pins supplemented with red Loctite or epoxy or urethane based adhesive should help restore the bond between the handle and shaft. The repair may be temporary if the metal is deteriorating.

Thanks guys - good suggestions!

Hello Ralph.
I've got the same problem with my 1940 Master Deluxe trunk handle. The handle spins around the shaft and prevents the trunk from closing/locking.
I'm going to drill at least 2 holes and insert a 1/8 inch roll pin (maybe called a compression pin or something else?). I also have a few more pins the next size up if needed. This pin is hollow and is open on one side.
These are available at any hardware store. There is a video on YouTube showing a guy using a pair of vice grips to squeeze the pin enough to be inserted into the drilled hole. After its inserted, he taps it in with a hammer.
This idea was suggested by Mike Buller. I'm going to try the repair this weekend and will let you know if it works.

Curt

Be aware that the pin needs to only penetrate the inner part of the handle a very small distance. The lock mechanism in the center of the handle needs to be able to rotate. That is why I suggested Loctite, or Supper Glue or other strong adhesive. Make sure that the adhesive does not "lock" the lock mechanism. Handles with a solid shaft can have the pin extend all the way through the shaft.

Can someone post a photo of a '39 trunk handle. I have a trunk handle that might be from a '39 as I purchased a truck full of parts from a guy several years ago that were from a '39 and this was in the lot. It has five groves in it. I would post a photo of it but I have trouble trying to do that, but I can email anyone a photo of it. Thanks. Beamer

Roger that Chipper.
You're right about the lock cylinder needing to do its thing.
I'm going to attempt to have the pin stop before it enters the forbidden zone.

Curt

Thanks Curt & Chipper, I was already considering what Chipper mentioned about the locking mechanism needing to turn inside the shaft.

Beamer, I'll try to send you a picture. In the meantime, I believe the trunk handles for 38 and 39 are the same. 37 is different as well as 40.

https://www.chevsofthe40s.com/images_product/large/4090230A.jpg










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CHEVS Parts » Search Results Page » You searched for: TRUNK HANDLE

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Includes Both Restoration Parts and Street Rod Parts
Ferrule Tool
CHEVROLET Tool -Installs Door Handle Ferrules
Chevrolet Parts - Tool -Installs Door Handle Ferrules

4088134A ALL $42.50 Each

This is the tool we rent or sell outright for the trunk and door handle ferrule installation. *NOTE* Return tool in same condition as it was sent for a $20 refund.

For All Chevrolet Cars and Trucks
License Light 1939-41
CHEVROLET License Bracket Post Pad - Trunk Lid & Sedan Delivery Back Door
Chevrolet Parts - License Bracket Post Pad - Trunk Lid & Sedan Delivery Back Door

3663784 39-48 $3.75 Each

This is a license bracket post rubber pad. It fits on the trunk lid or on the back door of a sedan delivery.

For 1939 1940 1941 1942 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 Chevrolet Cars
Trunk Handle
CHEVROLET Handle - Trunk, Coupe 1-3/8" Shaft - Vertical Lock Pin
Chevrolet Parts - Handle - Trunk, Coupe 1-3/8" Shaft - Vertical Lock Pin

4090230A 38-39
Click for more details

Trunk Handle. Coupe. 1-3/8" Shaft. Vertical lock pin

For 1938 1939 Ch

The 1939 trunk handle fits 1937 through early 1940 short shaft cars. Looks different from a 1937 and a 1940 but will work OK.
Chevrolet sold the 1940 version for replacement for all those models in the later years.

Thanks. That's not what mine looks like so I guess it won't help. I already gave away my extra '38. Beamer

Good morning Ralph.
Well I just finished the repair of my 1940 trunk handle.
It's a pretty easy fix.
Just take your time to make sure the pins don't poke through into the locking mechanism tunnel. After you insert the pins (I used 1/8" pins), put a little loctite in there just to be sure the pins stay put. I used the dremel tool to cut the excess length off. Get a round file to clean the burrs out of the locking mechanism tunnel, its very important you do this. I only used 2 pins that were at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions (oriented with the handle in the vertical/locked position). I tested it several times and it's very strong and working like new.
The only thing I would do differently would be to use a drill press to make better and more snug holes. I free handed my holes and well, you can imagine how they looked. But, they still worked.

If you can't locate an unused (NOS) handle, this is a cheap and good fix. A used handle will probably have the same slippage problem as the one you've got.

Good luck!
Curt

Glad you got it fixed. If you used enough loctite between the barrel and handle it should last for many years. That red stuff really hangs on "tite".

Thanks Curt. Appreciate the update. Take care!