78 door wont open
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
78 door wont open
I have read all the other posts on this issue; but they dont quite match up to my problem.
Passenger side. Door definitely unlocks with key and with electrical switch. Both interior and exterior handles seem to be operable but as you pull on them slowly it is readily apparent the lach is moving across something, but definitely seems to slide over whatever it is supposed to be catching on.
I can not remove door panel; removed all screws, but panel jams between door frames - wiggles a little but not coming off without breaking something.
With window down, I can look down between door panel and door; but the laching mechanism is NOT visible; there is a plastic panel that appears to wrap around the mechanism I see in all the other posts. I can not see anything, much less the "square hole next to the round hole".
I am open to any and all suggestions! thanks for your time.
Passenger side. Door definitely unlocks with key and with electrical switch. Both interior and exterior handles seem to be operable but as you pull on them slowly it is readily apparent the lach is moving across something, but definitely seems to slide over whatever it is supposed to be catching on.
I can not remove door panel; removed all screws, but panel jams between door frames - wiggles a little but not coming off without breaking something.
With window down, I can look down between door panel and door; but the laching mechanism is NOT visible; there is a plastic panel that appears to wrap around the mechanism I see in all the other posts. I can not see anything, much less the "square hole next to the round hole".
I am open to any and all suggestions! thanks for your time.
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Waynesboro PA
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
Thanks, Big A, - Yes the black plastic water shield is in place and does not appear I can access "tab" everyone refers to in the photo.
Best guess at this point is to attempt to push through the rain shield and if I get lucky hit the tab...
Thanks for your post!
Best guess at this point is to attempt to push through the rain shield and if I get lucky hit the tab...
Thanks for your post!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,353
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
68 Door Lockout. Driver's side.
Read all about pushing the tab down. It's trickey to get a long screwdriver in there particularly since once you get the screw driver in there you can't see.
I used my passenger's side door, which I could open, to practice on. Once I "trained" myself to open the passenger's side door, I didn't have much trouble wiht the driver's side.
Read all about pushing the tab down. It's trickey to get a long screwdriver in there particularly since once you get the screw driver in there you can't see.
I used my passenger's side door, which I could open, to practice on. Once I "trained" myself to open the passenger's side door, I didn't have much trouble wiht the driver's side.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Well I didn't see the reference to the other thread before I posted.. Sorry.. 
You will need to get around the anti theft shield though... but if you try hard enough you'll get past it.
You will need to get around the anti theft shield though... but if you try hard enough you'll get past it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
UPDATE - STILL WONT OPEN ... I was able to remove the inside door panel (dont ask). I can clearly see the tab mentioned above and it definitely travels completely down. when handle is pulled. It seems to have a hard stop on metal below. NOTHING HAPPENS. Problem appears to be BELOW this movement. Any other thoughts?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
Okay, I finally got it open... pushing down on tab described above AND pushing a long, narrow flat head screw driver in the hole about an 1 lower than that tab... actually, tapped the flat head with a hammer a couple times... did the trick... WHAT A PAIN TO REMOVE!!!
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,851
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
You didn't have to remove the panel, you can force it past the plastic. In most cases it will ruin the shield but seems a bit trivial as compared to not getting the door open.
I'm glad you got it.
Willcox
I'm glad you got it.
Willcox
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