Door Locked Up.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cranford NJ
Door Locked Up.
My 72 vette drivers side door is locked up and I can't get it open. No matter what I tried ,it won't budge. Any help will be appreciated. I am in Union County , NJ.
Last edited by martyrl; Aug 9, 2007 at 05:07 PM. Reason: did not put the year of the vette in post.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 0
From: Hanover Maryland
I had this problem with my 81 just a couple of weeks ago when the windshield replacement guy showed up.
You can remove the door panel from inside the car by removing the screws that hold it in place and the armrest and door handle bezel. Lift the door panel upward until it clears the door frame. You have to use some force and wiggl it due to the dash blocking it. Once the door panel is removed, you can disconnect any electrical connections to the panel. You now have access to the door latch mechanism at the back of the door.
You can remove the door panel from inside the car by removing the screws that hold it in place and the armrest and door handle bezel. Lift the door panel upward until it clears the door frame. You have to use some force and wiggl it due to the dash blocking it. Once the door panel is removed, you can disconnect any electrical connections to the panel. You now have access to the door latch mechanism at the back of the door.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Marty - Is the door locked or unlocked based on the position of the lock ****?
If it's unlocked there is a very easy way to do this. Pull back the door panel as stated above, and using a long flat head screwdriver, push on the lever pointed out in this pic. It's the one right up against the bulkhead of the door there on the outside. Your screw driver may slip off so stay with it.
Once you get a good solid contact give it a hard push down and so long as you can move that one latch only then the door will pop open.
I had to do this to both of my doors when my latching mechanisms took dumps within a week of each other.
Oh and having a flashlight shining down there helps a lot to see where I'm talking about.
Let us know how it goes.
If it's unlocked there is a very easy way to do this. Pull back the door panel as stated above, and using a long flat head screwdriver, push on the lever pointed out in this pic. It's the one right up against the bulkhead of the door there on the outside. Your screw driver may slip off so stay with it.
Once you get a good solid contact give it a hard push down and so long as you can move that one latch only then the door will pop open.
I had to do this to both of my doors when my latching mechanisms took dumps within a week of each other.
Oh and having a flashlight shining down there helps a lot to see where I'm talking about.
Let us know how it goes.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cranford NJ
I can't tell whether or not the door is locked pos or unlock pos. The lock **** never worked. Thats why I never touch the lock **** because if you turn it either way the door locks up.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Chances are you need a new latch mechanism. If nothing else the original one needs to come out to be cleaned and lubes and all the linkages tightened to working order again.
Try getting it open and then go from there.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I got mine off of Ebay but most of the big name vendors carry them for around $80 or so. If you find some that are a lot cheaper than that...pass on them. They are probably junk made in 3rd world and will not last more than a few years. Spend the coin on a good set from Mid America or Paragon or Zip, or Ecklers.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Reading MA
Had the same problem with my '68 about two months back. Could not open the drivers side door. I sprayed the lock assembly with carb cleaner and it must have cleaned out the crap - the door opened!! Found the three screws holding the lock assembly loose - so that ay have been a contibuting problem. Worth a try.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Hello,
Durango_boy has good information on his post.
I had a similar problem with my doors, and opened it the same way.
here is what I found inside.
The original 35 year old door latch, and why it was stuck
and what it looks like after cleaning and lubricating.
]
From this photo you may be able to see some more of the working parts to help you with getting your door unlocked.
kdf
Durango_boy has good information on his post.
I had a similar problem with my doors, and opened it the same way.
here is what I found inside.
The original 35 year old door latch, and why it was stuck
and what it looks like after cleaning and lubricating.
]
From this photo you may be able to see some more of the working parts to help you with getting your door unlocked.
kdf