Door panel tensioning springs-1940

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

I am working on my 1940 LaSalle and have been removing the inside door panels to replace the springs in my door latches. A few of the spindles for the window cranks and door handles have cone shaped springs on them between the inner steel door panel and the cardboard trim panel. It looks like a few of them are there and most of them were lost over the years.

I was able to get new ones from one of the Buick parts vendors.

Now comes the question-The narrow end of the cone shape obviously goes against the window spindle or the door handle spindle. They are an exact fit.

Does the outer, wider end of the spring go against the handle escutcheon or against the cardboard door trim pad? In other words, does the spring go on before the trim pad goes on so it can press against the inside of it, or does it go on after so it can press against the door handle and window crank escutcheon plates?

I would imagine that these are the same on GM cars of the forties and early fifties. The Fisher Body Manual does not even mention these springs.

I an figuring that somebody here has dealt with these before and knows the answer.

Thanks

[Hilarius]

The small end goes on the shafts, as you have correctly observed, and the wider end presses against the cardboard door panel, definitely not against the escutcheon, else you'd wind up with a gap between your escutcheon and the door panel upholstry.
Hilarius.

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

Thanks.