The 'E' Type Forum

Hi there


I'm getting replacement doors for my 1968 Series 1.5 2+2. My old doors have a door handle with a separate lock barrel.

Is it possible to install the combined door lock handle used in the traditional roadsters and coupes? (If I bought the handle with new locks?)

I have heard that some series 1.5 integrated this at the end of the run going into the series 2 era, which leads me to believe that it could be possible.


Does any know? Any help will be really appreciated!

This is not an easy one to answer. However, it seems that all 3 variants of the 2+2 6 cylinder cars did have combined handles in some cases , its becoming very common in the S1.5 and apparently universal in the S2 cars. See e.g. 1E50961 on xke data for an early car with combined handle, 1E 78085 and 78088 for an S 1.5 and 1R40021 for an S2. Thus in theory it should be possible, but what I do not know is whether the internal arrangements altered significantly and in particular whether the position of the starwheel mechanism and striker was altered between the variants. It may also be that the profile of the doorskin was altered to suit the different handle . The other problem is that unless you reskin the doors, you will be left with a hole where the existing key goes

In any event , from personal experience I would say that the separate locking arrangement is more reliable than the one with the lock in the button

When I purchased my 2+2 ( series 1) it had new doors fitted but no locks within the door skin.
No lock holes either.

The PO intended to fit central locking but never got round to it. I therefore very carefully cut new holes in the door skin and fitted the separate locks as is the norm on these. Bit nerve racking as the doors were newly painted. I think it is difficult to fit the handles with locks in the push buttons as per the SWB cars as the link between the handle and catch assembly is different. However I would have preferred the "key in handle" solution and am interested to hear how this gets on.

Bit late for me know !

Tim

Thanks for your replies. I'll let you know if I come to a conclusion!

You may find sourcing original style Series 1 (and it seems 1.5) separate door handles and locks difficult. I was not able to find a single handle or lock anywhere in world as I was rebuilding my rusty shed-find.