Jim 77

My outside door lock will no longer unlock my driver side door. It will lock, just no unlock. The inside **** functions as it should.
I took the panel off, and can see the bracket that connects to the 'actuating rods'(?). Sure enough, it moves to lock, but doesn't seem to catch for the return trip.
Is there a fix for this?
I don't want to change all of my locks, even if just for the principle of it all. If I need to replace the lock, can I take it to a locksmith and have it made to match my old key?

Frankenvette

I have the reverse problem. I can use the key to unlock but not lock the door. As it turns out, the rod is hanging on something. I need to get in there and bend the rod to clear whatever it's hanging on. Could the rod be catching somewhere? Is the actuator itself functioning?

Jim

JoeC427

I have the same problems with the passenger side of my 75. There is the big black plastic piece that blocks your view of that control rod. You have to take out the screws on the back side of the door to get it loose and move it out of the way to get to that rod I mentioned. I have never been able to get the clip on the rod to keep it from popping off over time. Im not an expert, thats just how Ive been able to fix it and continue to be able to open my door from the out side. Every six months or so it pops off and I have to go through the process again.. I guess the Corvette Gods just want me to have plenty practice at it. Someday I will pay a pro to fix it right.
Good luck,
Joe

Jim 77

Hmmm, I guess the rod could be hung up on something. But there is a lever/bracket thing that connects thhe rod to the lock. This moves to lock, and looks like it just doesn't catch to unlock. If I unlock with the inside ****, this bracket moves as it should.
And who came up with those mechanisms? Bright ideas are lurking beneath the door panel :rolleyes:

72GACRZR

Hi :seeya , I have been eveasdropping for the past month and decided u r may type of folks, so I joined up. I have a '72 with power windows that didn't work so well. Took em all apart saw the lock rods and took em out too. cleaned all up shiny covered in litium grease and put back. All now work like new. So try to see if old grease is lodged on rods, spray wd40 and see if work better if does , clean and grease will fix.

Tires Smoking? try Bubba trick next time in and tie plastic lock tie on that pesky popup clip, assuming yours look like mine with the hole over rod and clip down to hold about 1/4 long.

I have to learn how to use this typing stuff. :lol:

Thanks to all for what I now feel is the confidence to fix most anything, if I get stuck, one of you will know how to set me straight.

Henry


[Modified by 72GACRZR, 11:34 PM 8/15/2002]

VettePower

Welcome to the Forum party Henry. Always nice to have a fresh set of ideas!! :flag

72GACRZR

:cheers: to you Vette Power and all others. I Really have to learn this process :D

R1234

Jim, on my 68 the spring that is attached to the upper part of the lock mechanism was the culprit. I believe the spring is set up similar to your 77. The spring's about 1/2 in diameter. My door was doing the same as yours. My spring had a broken end and not allowing the unlock. If your passenger door is operating okay, take a look and compare.

Jim 77

Spring? What spring? :cuss :lol:
I saw no spring in there. Will compare sides once I get the brakes figured out. Thanks for the help everyone. I'll bet this one will be obvious if I go in with the right attitude!