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Technical 1932 Female Dovetail

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by HOTRODPRIMER, Mar 13, 2019.

  1. While the old beater is down for the new interior I noticed the female dovetail housing on the drivers door is missing the cast dovetails and I knew I had a stainless female dovetail latch in my parts stash but I really don't want to use the reproduction stainless piece and would rather keep the original black housing.

    [​IMG]
    The RED X's indicate what is missing.
    Have any of you guys took one of these apart, I see there are kits with the replacement pieces but if I can use what I have that would save a few coins and I already have the pieces. HRP
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2019
  2. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

    On my '40 Ford which has the housing built into the body, I replaced the dovetails a couple decades ago. IIRC, you push a flat screwdriver blade into the end of the dovetail at the outside point. There is a slight notch in the pointed end of the dovetail. Push it into the middle of the car and try to flip the dovetail to the center of the opening. A spring hidden behind the dovetail will push it outward.

    Granted, this is how it's done on a '40, so no guarantees on a '32.
     
    LOU WELLS and olscrounger like this.
  3. Dennis D
    Joined: May 2, 2009
    Posts: 851

    Dennis D
    Member

    Stick a flat blade between them and push down on the lower one and it will release the spring pressure on the upper and it should come out. The bottom one will lift out. D
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  4. Atwater Mike
    Joined: May 31, 2002
    Posts: 11,625

    Atwater Mike
    Member

    Good info here. My older bodyman friend showed me this on my '32 Five window in '57...
     

  5. It's strange, I don't know how long I've been riding around with that piece missing. HRP
     
  6. I changed them on a 35-36 truck.
    Little patience, good light, and hold your tongue just right.
     
    55Belairman and HOTRODPRIMER like this.
  7. good thread HRP......
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  8. Dak Rat
    Joined: Mar 8, 2006
    Posts: 547

    Dak Rat
    Member
    from NoDak

    When I did my '32 sedan I bought repro d0ve tails--they fit like crap. I took the guts out and installed them in the original housings and it worked great.
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  9. Thanks guys, this is the housing with the dovetails missing. HRP

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Fortunately I won't have to use the stainless street rod style FDT and can rob the pieces I need from this aftermarket female dovetail and repair the original. HRP

    [​IMG]
     
  11. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,629

    The37Kid
    Member

    Danny, Check out the discussions on the Model A Ford section of the Ford Barn, I think these dovetails are a lot like the '31 Slant window sedans. They mention the springs being very important and only the ones from A&L work properly. Bob
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  12. Thanks Bob, if what I have doesn't do the job I will check the A&L parts. HRP
     
  13. FOURTYDLX
    Joined: Feb 22, 2006
    Posts: 718

    FOURTYDLX
    Member

    Site for A & L thanks
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  14. A & L Parts Specialties, 1-860-693-0112, or 1-860-693- 2620. Try Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  15. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,629

    The37Kid
    Member

    A&L manufactures QUALITY parts, they in turn supply the parts houses, but you don't know for sure if the parts houses are selling you A&L parts or not. Bob
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  16. I am told A&L is a old fashion business, they have a telephone number and no web site. HRP
     
    The37Kid likes this.
  17. A & L has been in business for more than 50 years. Al Lepore started the business, and since his passing a few years ago his son now runs the business. Allen, the son, lives in New Jersey, and is only at the shop 3 days a week. If you want true quality parts at a fair price, A & L has them. A & L parts are made in the USA, no offshore parts of dubious quality.
     
    The37Kid and HOTRODPRIMER like this.
  18. I followed the advice of using a screw driver and was surprised just how easy the dove tails popped out, It didn't take long to fit them in their new home. HRP

    001.JPG
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2019
  19. The HAMB comes through again!:cool:
     
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  20. You bet Mark! HRP
     
  21. insomniacshotrods
    Joined: Jan 27, 2009
    Posts: 158

    insomniacshotrods
    Member

    Well it keeps coming through, thanks guys helped me too.
     
  22. V8-m
    Joined: Jun 11, 2020
    Posts: 195

    V8-m
    Member
    from Alaska

    Can some of you guys measure the housing for me. I too don`t like repro SS shiney stuff.
    Thanks!
     

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