Need some advice please
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Need some advice please
My 73 has a broken door locking device on the drivers side. The problem with that is I cannot get the door open now. I did manage to get the passenger door open and get the windows down. But the interior lock will not work, nor will the inside or outside door handle. Anyone have any advice on how to get the door opened up, once I do that I can remove the door panel and examine further to either repair or replace the locking device. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
I'm sorry that no one has come back on this. I've never had the problem, I think that someone else just had this a couple of Mos, ago. on the forum. I had better pay more attention on how this opens. Have a great day. Some one will come across, surely. Gene
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,202
Likes: 17
You need to try and get that door panel off! The clip may have come off, and allowed control rod to become disconnected. There is also a spring that may have broke. You need to get that panel off and try to manipulate the latch to get it open.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
Only other way I can think of is to snake a wire down in the window opening and hook the latch assembly.
Good luck and let us know how you do it
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
If you remove the opposite door panel to visualize what your up against it may help you fabricate something that will allow you to get in there and unlatch the door.
Maybe a piece of strap steel with a hook on the end???? Dunno just offering suggestions
Maybe a piece of strap steel with a hook on the end???? Dunno just offering suggestions
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Thanks, that's going to be my next attempt to figure this thing out. Can't find any tech articles or actual diagrams of the complete assembly to see what I'm up against.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
Just had another thought, WHat about a hole saw???? a nice small 4" hole in the door should suffice, Sorry just trying to add a bit of humor. 
Did you get it open yet???
Somebody else was having a similiar problem your solution may help them as well
Did you get it open yet???
Somebody else was having a similiar problem your solution may help them as well
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
The hole saw was definitely a consideration. Yes, finally got the door open and repaired. The outside latch had a bent rod and inside the panel found a missing clip on the locking device. Had to remove the panel just behind the drivers side door, once that was removed it was easy to access the latching device. Once the door was opened and door panel removed most everything else was easily accessible. Thanks to all for the tips and advice, much appreciated!