it was ok for a while, but have noticed it getting worse in this cold weather (maybe just my imagination or impatience trying to get in the car outta thebloody rain!)

anyways, the driver's door exterior handle, starting to sag a bit and getting harder to open - ie having to really yank it down.

So when I looked in the bit that closes, there seems to be some movement in there. has something worn loose or broken do ya think? is it much hassle removing the whole handle and maybe tightening up some bits?? or is this a common thing for a 44 year old car door handle and needs replacing

as always, look forward to your replies, cheers

3 things on these old pulldown (non-Clubby) handles:
1. Yes they get loose inside there with age, you can fix that by putting more nylon `washers' in it once it's out.
2. The reason they sag is the `snail' shaped return spring breaks or weakens. Fit a new one when you reassemble it into the door.
Try Mini King for the spring, if John has none PM Matt Read `TheMiniMan'.
3. The latches wear inside, if there is a lot of slack before the catch starts to retract, find a better latch assembly.
I did this recently. I washed it all out, dried it and lubed it with powdered graphite. Now it `sounds like a Golf' rofl.
[edit] contrary to what some manuals say, all this can be done with the window still in the door and its rubbers in place.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

taa Doc, why would the window need to be removed tho?

scuse my ignorance, but I assumed just removing the interior door panel and I'd have acces to the whole lock / handle bits?

and can I swap any bits from the passenger side door handle if needed? - might nbe an easy quick fix for now seeing as I'm the only one driving in it 99% of the time

cheers again

The door handle is outside the glass, and the latch is inside the door inner skin. The Australian manuals say the glass has to come out to remove the latch, but it doesn't.
There's not much room with the glass in, but it's possible.
No, the LH door handle assembly and latch is opposite hand to the RH one.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

not even any of them washers or springs for now?

Yes, the nylon washers and the return spring are the same both sides. But the main latch and handle assemblies are both opposite hand.
I would just go find another old RH door latch (if needed) and another handle (either LH or RH), then make a good assembly out of both you have.
What are you going to do for a LH one if you rob bits out of it??

[edit] where you are I'd just go for a drive to Mini King at Narellan, and ask JS for some s/h bits.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

thanks Doc, will suss that out, I am off Friday so might need that excuse to take the Matic for a spin up the hill thru Picton and Camden to see the Mini King

Fitting the new snail spring can be a PITA. Make sure you put plenty of rags inside the door at the bottom to catch any falling bits.

I once lost a spring that way, had to remove the door to tip it upside down to retrieve the bit.

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

Or get a magnet on a stick.

I was after one of those springs about a month ago. Mini king and karcraft do don't have any. Check on eBay there is a company that have them, from memory they are located at smithfield Sydney. I created an attachment that hooks up on the inside of the door with a spring attached and I have to say I reckon one of these springs couldn't do the job like this has. If i get a chance I will try and take a photo of it for you.

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Carpe Diem
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1967 Deluxe (Bluey)

That would be Heritage MG parts.
Their new online store- http://144.131.146.207:8080/mg_spares/

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

or by post from minisport if MG dont have any. Here is a pic of it.

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod763.htm

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Karcraft has 200 in stock.

Minisports = $11.95 for the snail spring

MG Heritage parts = $20.57 for the same snail spring

am waiting on a reply form Karcraft in comparison !

funny tho, that it opened easier today with the better weather! wtf!?!?

Karcraft will beat both those prices...

Oops no they don't- Greg, you'd better drop the price a bit!
Can't have them crow eaters beating ya.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.