Sarah,
All of the previous posts seem to be on track, although I would order their priority and combine them. First, use the alarm idea to prevent the door from being reached. This is inexpensive, but be sure to write changing the batteries into the routine maintenance plan. Second, tie the two front doors together from the inside. This usually can be done with the interior handles. Pad them with thin ethafoam or a similar material, and use a ratchet strap so that they can be fully secure without any free play. If only these doors can be unlocked with the key, it may be necessary to strap the driver's door to another fixed surface, such as the rear passenger door, passenger seat or other firm surface. The idea is to prevent the initial opening of the door. Virtually everyone will give up if the initial tug is unyielding. The combination of alarm with resistance should deter all curious visitors. There are more invasive methods of securing the door, but these should not be necessary. Good luck!
Marc
American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
4 Rockville Road
Broad Brook, CT 06016
www.conservator.com
860-386-6058
*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Environmental Monitoring & Low-Tech Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Collections Care Grant Preparation
*Conservation Treatment of:
Furniture
Painted Wood
Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Architectural Interiors
Decorative Objects & Folk Art
Marc A. Williams, President
MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
Former Chief Wooden Object Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
----- Original Message -----
From: Sarah LeCount
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 1:45 PM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Car Door Lock
Hello everyone -
I am new on the staff of a science/history museum. We have recently put a 1930s Cunningham-Ford Town Car on exhibit after having it professionally conserved. Although there is a solid, 3' high and 2' wide barrier around the car, we know that visitors have breeched the barrier and opened the driver's side door of the car. This door handle has a lock which doesn't work - either it is jammed (which is what the conservator said) or it was never meant to actually operate. The locks on the other doors work, so we thought we might be able to lock the driver's side from the inside, exit through another door and lock it - but there is no mechanism to lock the door from the inside. We are looking into reinforcing the existing barrier with a plexi screen, but are also wondering - can we try a lubricant in the lock? Or can we try to secure the driver's side door handle from the inside so it won't turn and allow access? There seems to be some hesitation in reconnecting with the conservator (not sure what the story is there) - so I'm hoping for some advice from the List.
Thanks in advance!
Sarah
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