Door locks? What am I not getting here...?

srelan

Knuckle Buster
Feb 21, 2010
4
Willys Model
Willys Year:
This is probably obvious as heck and an inside joke to those of you in the know. But, somebody please tell me why the original door lock configuration has no lock on the driver's side? I was looking for a matching locking pair as my '48 Wagon only has the one locking passenger side. Now I read online in a couple places that is the way it was supposed to be. I don't get it...
 

62 OlllO

Well Oiled
Oct 19, 2009
1,821
Georgia
First Name
Kevin
Willys Model
  1. Wagon
Willys Year:
  1. 1962
Just my opinion, but when they parked parallel to the curb, you would exit the vehicle to the left...good question however and my answer is only a guess. Glad you are on the forum.....keep posting!!!
 

Eric B

Precision Fit
Nov 27, 2009
841
Colorado Springs, CO
First Name
Eric
Willys Model
  1. Other
Willys Year:
  1. Other
I have no flippin clue on this one.
Other than you should lock your door with the key when you get out to make sure you have em???
 

homewood4

Precision Fit
Oct 23, 2009
522
Citrus Heights & Tahoe
First Name
Greg
Willys Model
  1. Pickup
Willys Year:
  1. 1954
My guess is back in the day it was law that you had to exit the passenger side for safety...simplified by bench seats... life was less hurried then.
My '53 Power Wagon is set up the same except lock is in door panel not the hardware...

Haven't checked it out completley but I'm thinking all I have to do on Willys is flip door handles from side to side say AbraKadabra and viola lock is on drivers door....anyone tried that yet?
 

aquawilly54

Well Oiled
Sep 21, 2009
1,257
Willys Model
Willys Year:
Scott, is it possible that the button is just missing? I only ask this because back a few years my first Willys was a 49 pickup. It took me forever to finally realize it did have door locks (on both sides). I just needed to put the parts in. You might consider calling the authority on these. Paul Barry at Willys America. He's a busy guy, but I've always been able to get him on the phone to answer odd ball questions. 1-707-632-5258
Steve
 

papas34

Bigger Hammer
Mar 17, 2010
94
Ogden, Utah
Willys Model
Willys Year:
62 OlllO said:
Just my opinion, but when they parked parallel to the curb, you would exit the vehicle to the left...good question however and my answer is only a guess. Glad you are on the forum.....keep posting!!!
Back in the day.....men walked between the ladyies and the curb so if a car went by and splashed up a little wet and dirty stuff the lady was protected , everyone over 10 years old smoked and cool guys slid over the seat to the curb....
Many cars of this era had locks only on the pass side.....I get a kick out of watching old movies and seeing the stars slid over the bench seat.....wonder when the tradition of opening the door for the ladies started or how the poor guy got his car locked :lol: :lol: :lol:
 

srelan

Knuckle Buster
Feb 21, 2010
4
Willys Model
Willys Year:
Aquawilly, no I don't mean the inside locking button. I mean the keyed door handle lock. Can't figure out why the drivers side wouldn't have a key.
I have to enter/exit through the passenger side, like one of the first replies mentioned. The parallel park, curb thing makes a little sense. I guess.

Anybody ever flipped them? Can passenger side keylock handle fit on drivers side and visa versa?
 

BradW

Bigger Hammer
Oct 11, 2009
64
Wenatchee, Washington
Willys Model
Willys Year:
My 59 wagon has a driver side outside door lock, can't say if it is factory or if someone changed it, I'm pretty sure you can change them around.
 

MajorTom

Gear Grinder
Mar 19, 2010
20
Lead, SD
Willys Model
Willys Year:
My 59 wagon just has the key kock on the passanger side. If your locks (passanger & tail gate) are all keyed with the ignition key you've in good shape. I found that was the most challenging. ...but I never lock mine up anyway.
 

Imposter71

Sharpest Tool
Sep 23, 2009
235
NC Coast
First Name
Tom
Willys Model
  1. Wagon
Willys Year:
  1. 1963
Figured I'd chime in....... locks on both doors and tailgate - all keyed the same.
 

Imposter71

Sharpest Tool
Sep 23, 2009
235
NC Coast
First Name
Tom
Willys Model
  1. Wagon
Willys Year:
  1. 1963
Nope, ignition is different. No way I can be that lucky.

So, I can lock mine but I can't drive it yet ( gas tank next). I have to sit in it in the yard and pretend I'm stylin :D

I think my ignition is just a generic switch like you can buy at Advance or something.
 
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