This early glove box lock assembly has a weak point that makes it difficult to find complete. Its die-cast vertical pointer is held in place by a small flat steel tension spring. After the truck sets outside abandoned several years the spring rusts, breaks, or otherwise loses its tension. This allows the pointer to fall out and the glove box lid will no longer stay closed.
Most all locks you find for sale will be without their pointer. The enclosed photos show a complete lock with pointer as it must be to operate.
These locks “do not” have the 'push button' mechanism as the later design. A small round spring button attached to the dash moves. With this style, you pull on the key knob in the door when it is unlocked to overcome this spring button. You don't have to use the key to open the door. Just pull the lock knob. To lock the glove box door, just turn the key and the pointer moves up. The door is now locked.
During the beginning months of this 1936-39 lock, a double sided key blank was used. This blank has not been available for many years. If you need the early style your local locksmith may not be able to provide a key! (And the search begins.)
- Painting your glove box door? You will need to remove this lock assembly. Here’s how: Turn the key to the right while pulling up on the pointer. You may have to jiggle it as you pull. Out it comes including the small tension spring! Now the large retaining nut can be loosened and the remainder of the assembly can be removed.
- Lock removing tip from Scott Phaneuf, Hatfield, MA.
