Huge problem - no solution
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Huge problem - no solution
After trying to repair my driver's side door lock today I ended up with this: The door is closed and locked, and the door panel is installed. I can't move the lever to unlock the door while the door latch mechanism is bolted in place. (Thats what I was trying to correct.) The plastic guard piece is removed so I can see the lever. I can't loosen the 3 bolts on the latch with the door closed. Loosening them somehow allows the lock mechanism to be moved. Any ideas?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Ozark MO
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Here is a longshot that has worked for me in the past.Take your engine oil dipstick or a piece of metal the same thickness and width and insert it through the small slot in your door handle and go down and hold the lock down while operating the inside door handle.It is the slot to the back of the car ,hold the dipstick up and down (put a mark on it 5 inches from the end)go down that mark and lift up and down until you get on top.Practice on the other door,this will also get you in the car without a key.I ground the end of mine like a fork.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Jun 4, 2006 at 07:34 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
At the hinge pin---2 slots.Usually this happens when it is "not unlocking all the way".You can also put the key in and turn it to unlock (hard) and get someone else to pull on the inside lock ****(hard) at the same time while you try to open the door with the inside handle.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Thanks again guys. Ed T, your pics are always amazing, BUT, my real problem is that my lock lever will not move. It operates normally until the 3 slot head bolts that hold the door latch in place are tightened, then it jams. Today, I tightened the bolts thinking the lever was in the unlocked position, and closed the door. So the lever won't move. I tried that reaching down from the top. I'm trying to get the door panel off but the screw at the rear end of the door is buried with the door closed.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,649
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Take the seat out and remove the door panel. Don't forget the one screw at the top corner, you have to remove some trim/molding. I had this problem once and even with the door panel off I couldn't get the lock to unlock. Eventually what I did is clamp some vice grips on the veritcal rod and jiggle the crap out of it and it opened.
Good lock
Good lock
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
you have stock screws in there? sounds like the screw went in to far and jammed the mechanism.
Do it like Motorhead says, pull the set and then door panel, fix it right and don't break anything
Do it like Motorhead says, pull the set and then door panel, fix it right and don't break anything
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Thanks for all the help.
Actually, sdonnelly's link with some pics was the most helpful in my case. I was able to push down on the flat tab to the left of the one shown. That allowed the door to open while still locked. I thought I was going to have to take a saws-all to it.
Actually, sdonnelly's link with some pics was the most helpful in my case. I was able to push down on the flat tab to the left of the one shown. That allowed the door to open while still locked. I thought I was going to have to take a saws-all to it.