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1981 door locks with alarm

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Old Jun 13, 2018 | 03:15 PM
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Default 1981 door locks with alarm

Hi , I decided to paint my 1981 Corvette and I'm in the process of the take down . Got to the door locks and there wired in to the alarm and I can't tell how to remove them . Don't want to damage them by experimenting , can anyone tell me the right way to remove them?
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Old Jun 14, 2018 | 05:01 PM
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when you say "door locks" exactly what part are you referring to, the exterior handle, the exterior key cylinder, the door latch mechanism, etc.?
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Old Jun 14, 2018 | 05:33 PM
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hi , It's the key cylinder , In side the door connected to the back of the key cylinder there are 2 sets of wires that go to an alarm system that shut down the car if tampered with according to my 1981 shop manual, but it gives no disassembly instructions . I'm afraid if i do it wrong it will cause me more problems. Any help will be appreciated .From what i gather , and it may be wrong , these are only on the 1981-82 models.this is factory installed stuff by the way.

Last edited by TexDan; Jun 14, 2018 at 05:37 PM. Reason: more info
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Old Jun 15, 2018 | 12:37 PM
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looking at the image in the link below it looks like you disconnect the plug from the retainer and then just pop the retainer off the lock cylinder.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...lh-77-82-wh001

Last edited by MelWff; Jun 15, 2018 at 12:38 PM.
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Old Jun 16, 2018 | 09:32 AM
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Thanks MelWff your advice was superb, after pulling the clip the lock assembly came right out and i was able to remove the remaining wires outside the door. Looking from the open panel i thought it was all one piece, had to find info on this stuff. I appreciate you taking the time to help me. Thanks again
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Old Jun 16, 2018 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
when you say "door locks" exactly what part are you referring to, the exterior handle, the exterior key cylinder, the door latch mechanism, etc.?
are there actually wires going to the exterior door handle and latch also? I just had my door panels off on my 81I didn't notice .
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Old Jun 16, 2018 | 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by av81
are there actually wires going to the exterior door handle and latch also? I just had my door panels off on my 81I didn't notice .
No.. the wires go to the back of the door lock cylinder where the switch is mounted along with the wires that go to the clip that holds the door lock cylinder in place.

BE CAREFUL when messing around with that switch that goes onto the lock cylinder. The thin plastic part in it is CRITCIAL if you are worried in making your alarm system function correctly.

DUB
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Old Jun 17, 2018 | 07:14 AM
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Thanks , I didn't think there were other wired parts not sure why there was confusion on what part he was talking about , thanks for clearing that up.
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If anyone needs the alarm switch and wire harness that mounts to the lock cylinder I have several for sale. They are currently on eBay for $75 or best offer. The GM part is 14009687.

Be careful when removing the lock cylinder. I used a large screwdriver to pry the clip holding the cylinder and it slipped off the clip and broke the driver’s window.
After painting the car use care when installing the lock cylinder. The new paint on my car was thicker than the old paint. When I installed the lock cylinder, it took more force to install the clip which resulted in a crack next to the cylinder.
Having someone push in on the lock cylinder while the clip is installed would help to keep the cylinder from moving on an angle while the clip is pushed into position.

There was a separate thread on this recently.

Last edited by mark79,80; Jun 17, 2018 at 10:43 AM.
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