I have a C3 and I cannot get the drivers door open. I have removed the door panel and see the rods working but I think the problem is with the external lock as when I use the key the lock justs spins around.

Does anyone have a diagram of the how the lock connects to the the door hardware? I am in the process of ordering a manual but would like to get it fixed.

Cheers

 

On my 74 the lock needs to come out in order disconnect it from the latch. Remove the large clip on the inside on the door cover that holds the lock cylinder in place and it pops right out.

 

here are a couple of links that cover this.


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...on-my-car.html


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...elp-maybe.html


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ck-closed.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...vers-door.html

 

Many thanks for the information posted it was most helpful.

Cheers

 

You can physically open that door by pressing againt the same mechanism at the latch that is activated from the bell crank from the inside door handle. You can remove the attachement clip that holds the rod to the bell crank and then press backward on a flat surface about 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" square area to move the latch open.

As a side bar, be sure that the door is not set in the 'lock' position. This is controlled by the small rod from the outer key tumbler assembly and the inner lock rod. I have had the lock rod in the lock positon only to realize I simply needed to move it down to unlock the latch mechanism to allow me to open the car door.

Have a real good look with a flash light and mechanic mirror to get an understanding of the operation. With help from others and diagrams you will get if figured out.

Dano,

 

something i forgot to mention, it doesn't matter if the door is locked if you push down on the lever shown in some of the photos shown in the links i posted the door will open.

 

With all of the information I received (thanks again) I have got the door open and removed the lock and am in the process of cleaning it.

I have two questions I hope someone can answer for me.

1. How does the external key barrel engage the lock?

2. What is the best way of getting the locking mechanism back in the door? It took me a long time to get it out as it was quite fiddly squeezing past the brackets supporting the window.


Thanks for any assistance.

 

I am pleased that you got the door open. To answer the two questions I will do my best.

1) The outside lock is held in place by a spring steel horseshoe type retainer that slips onto the side of the keyed lock assembly. The metal tab that rotates approximately 90 degrees when the key is turned is the lever that actuates the plunger rod that will engage or disengage the lock mechanism on the lock assembly unit. The rod has to be connected to the keyed lock assembly prior to final install.

A lot of this can be done easier if the glass is removed. Either power windows or manual they operate the same, up and down. I have unbolted the glass from the sash channel, that is the one that runs horizontal and lifted the glass up , slight shift and then out. Also a good time to change weather seals or what we used to call 'cat whiskers'.

2) Once the glass is out, the lock mechanism is somewhat accessible. I think there is a plastic trough type piece that is involved with the outer door handle and can be removed to help you see what is going on. Use you assembly manual for an exploded view and you can see how it all goes back.

I have removed the back vertical run channel in the past to seek access. Mark the postion of the bolts with a pencil prior to removing to get back in positon again. I always removed the glass from the sash channel to prevent the old question of how to align the glass back into the door.

Hope this is clear.

Dano,

 

Dano

Many thanks for the information it was all clear but for the issue about the "metal tab that rotates approximately 90 degrees when the key is turned is the lever that actuates the plunger rod that will engage or disengage the lock mechanism on the lock assembly unit."

I do not see how the metal tab engages with the plunger rod.

Hopefully attahced is a photo showing the door lock. I am either missing something in the description or missing a part.

I have a workshop manual on order but it is still a couple of days away.

Appreciate the assistance.

Cheers

 

Hi Conner 67, glad you got some info of that rather long post. I can't open your picture but I got an idea what you may have provided.

The lock assembly naturally has the area that will secure itself to the inside of the door panel as already described. The piece of metal I am refering to is the last piece on the end of the lock assembly that is held with a small retaining clip, approx. 1/4". This 'metal' piece will rotate off the end of the cylinder when the key turns the tumbler. It is at a right angle to the end and will force the rod up or down as required.

I am not too 'puter' savy but if you can send the picture again by an attatchment I will surely have another look if this last post did not explain it correctly.

Glad to see you are getting the information for assembly manuals. I will leave with a quick story of me and manuals. I was apprenticing as a bodyman back in the late 70's early 80's. The boss at the time when he sold out said to me, "here is my Corvette GM parts book, you might need it in years to come". 14 years later along with an assembly manual I fondly refer to them for instruction.

Dano,

 

Dano


Many thanks for your post.

I am still havng a problem but I will wait for the manuals to arrive rather than wasting your time. I might pull the trim from the other door and check that out.

Thanks again.

 

Good luck to you Conner 67. Can't go wrong with those manuals 'eh.

Dano,

 

Hi All,
I've seen the old posts on this in the Forum, but I'm hoping for something new as nothing has worked. My '69 driver's door will not open. I have tried pushing on the tab and it does nothing. The lever moves but the latch doesn't release. I have also tried what it says to do in the C&S Corvettes video and that was also unsuccessful. I'm hoping there is another way to get my door open without ripping it off. I don't know if a spring broke or something let go, but I have zero function, all rods are connected, but something internal is not functioning. Door panel is off and window is out so I have great access.

 

Get a hacksaw blade into the door jamb from the interior side of the car and cut off the striker bolt. Easy and cheap to replace.

 

Thanks....I'll give it a whirl!

 

 

Success! With a little trial and error, I got it! didn't take that long and minimal paint damage. If anyone else has this happen, I recommend that you put a couple of wraps of duct tape around the first inch of the blade and wrap a few times where you hold the blade. Also put some duct tape on the edge of the lip that portrudes forwards from the quarter panel inside the car as the blade will contact it. Thank you Stngr69 for that...there was no other way as the mechanism is completely locked up. I'll try to figure it out and the diagrams that Jeffs82c3 sent, but I think something broke inside and I don't know if the latch can be repaired?