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Hi, we've owned the '72 for almost 2 years. Runs great, really enjoy it.
Took it out for a spin to buy a fuel filter and just joy ride. Got back and was sitting in the driver seat and decided to try the door lock (from the inside). I've never locked the car in two years - never had to. Heard/felt the 'clunk' of the door lock button operating what I'm sure is a rod going to the door mechanism. Then I had this sinking feeling because I vaguely remembered the prior owner warning me about an issue with the lock button.
You guessed it: door is locked and won't work when I try to unlock it. Climb over the door (top is down) and try to work the key - the ignition key goes in the outside door lock but won't turn. The 'trunk' key won't go in more than 1/2 way. I work the interior **** back/forth, by itself and in concert with the handle, but it won't work. Door is shut and that's it unless you all have a magic trick?
Any ideas are much appreciated!!
PS to a few of you who know I've been looking at a '68 427 project: still working on that one with the seller.
You should be able to poke a long flathead screwdriver down between the window near the rear of the door.
There is a little tab that if you push down on will pop open the door.
Look for a tab like is in the below photo.
Fellow member (...Roger...) can open it with an oil dipstick.
Originally Posted by ...Roger...
Usually takes me 15 to 45 seconds with an oil dipstck through the door handle to open most C3s.
I've opened many at car shows,wish I had a camera to record the look on the face of the car owner.
Originally Posted by 72ls5fla
I'm impressed.....
never thought about putting a dipstick in through that small hinged area....
The plastic (anti theft) cover is pretty thin - so I believe a really hot dipstick could melt through it.
This is a very creative way to get into the car......
97% of the C3 have that cover removed - nobody ever put them back in if they were removed for any reason.
Good luck.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; May 5, 2018 at 11:34 PM.
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Need help with door lock on '72
