SECTION 13-B – 1956 BUICK DOORS AND COMPARTMENT LIDS

13-5 1956 BUICK DOOR LOCKS AND HANDLES

Description of 1956 Buick Door Locks and Handles

Each 1956 Buick door lock is operated by a push button in the stationary outside handle and also by an inside handle and remote control assembly which is connected to the lock by a link. The connecting link has slotted holes to permit operation of lock by either the outside push button or the inside handle.

All 1956 Buick doors may be locked from the inside by pushing down the locking knob which projects through the garnish molding. All doors may be locked from the outside by first pushing down the inside locking knob then holding the outside push button depressed while closing the door.

Rear doors cannot be unlocked from outside the car. Both 1956 Buick front doors can be unlocked from outside by inserting key in the outside safety lock. The safety locks are operated by the same key that operates the ignition switch, glove box door lock and rear compartment lid lock.

A “free-wheeling” linkage incorporated in the rear door locks permits adjustment so that 1956 Buick doors cannot be opened by operating the inside handle when the locking rod knob is down. This safety feature, desirable where small children ride on the back seat, prevents accidental opening of a rear door when the car is in motion. Locks are set for “free-wheeling” at the factory and must be reset for positive operation at the request of car owner.

The 1956 Buick door locks on all Series 50-70 except Models 53-73 are the lift bolt type. As the door is closed the lock bolt enters the upper guide channel of door lock striker and is forced upward until the locking mechanism is engaged at the top of bolt travel. When the locking mechanism is tripped to unlock the door, the bolt is forced downward and out of the striker.

The door locks on all Series 40-60 and Models 53-73 are the rotary type. Both types of locks have an interlocking feature consisting of a notch in the striker into which the lock extension engages.

Free Wheeling Adjustment – 1956 Buick Rear Door Locks

To change 1956 Buick rear door locks from “free-wheeling” to positive operation, or vice versa, prepare a 7″ length of stiff wire approximately 1/8″ in diameter with a right angle hook 3/8″ long on one end. Make sure inside locking rod is in the “up” position. Use a small flashlight to locate free-wheeling control parts.

  1. Model 41. Remove rear door lock upper attaching screw and insert adjusting tool through screw hole. Engage hooked end of tool in loop of remote control connecting link as shown in Figure 13-4. Push tool forward to set lock “out” of free-wheeling or pull tool rearward to set lock “in” free-wheeling.
    1956 Buick Model 41 Free-Wheeling Adjustment

    1956 Buick Model 41 Free-Wheeling Adjustment

  2. Models 43-63. Remove plug from access hole in upper surface at rear of door and insert adjusting tool. Engage hooked end of tool in loop of remote control connecting link. Push tool forward to set lock “out” of free-wheeling or pull tool rearward to set lock “in” freewheeling. See figure 13-5.