ch3098

Hi,
I recently purchased a 73 coupe with both doors locked, windows up tight, and the keys in the ignition. I am looking for the least destructive method for unlocking the car. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Thanks,
Clayton

sullyman56

I have read that if you hit the t-top really hard in the area of the t-top locks that they will often unlock and you can then remove it. I've never tried it, but it sounds like it might work. If not, contact a locksmith. Good luck.

mrvette

Coathanger with a hook on the end, and a bunch of patience, aiming for the lever on the latch, going to take a while, it's a touchy feely thing....

:toe tap:

zuendler

If the key is in the ignition, i would take a long wire with a hook at it´s end and try to hook the key from the passenge side

DonnieP73

You should be able to poke a long flathead screwdriver down between the window near the rear of the door.
There is a little tab that if you push down on will pop open the door.
Look for a tab like is in the below photo.



Donnie

racer_357

I locked my keys in the car a while back and this is a bitch to break into. the t-top hit will only work if the latches are loose, mine were very tight.

Slim jim will work if you can catch the lateral lock rod. you also may be able to flip the t-top latch with a ridged flat metal strip. do you know how to pick a lock?

MotorHead

I did that and it worked my keys were locked in and the engine was running, hit the top near the latch and the latch popped down. I now have locks on the latches. The trick is so old they sell locks for the latches

ignatz

I have heard that you can kick in the rear window and the pot metal prongs will break off first. A last resort to be sure.

71 Green 454

Is that the video from ...Roger... where he uses an oil dipstick to open a C3?

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ette-help.html

7t9l82

id like to see it but it seems honest people aren't allowed to see it.

John 65

Me too.

AdamMeh

Well, this is now on the interweb forever.

TheSkunkWorks

Yeah, I'm just thrilled about that too.

ch3098

Thank you to all that offered advise. I was able to unlock my 73 last night with no damage. I even got it open without using the video. I studied the mechanism on my 69 that I am currently restoring and used the dipstick as recommended on the forum. Thanks again for those that offered help!
Thanks,
Clayton

MotorHead

If the lock on your door is the only theft deterrent then you are asking for trouble, a tow truck driver told me about banging on the roof 10 years ago when I phoned him to open my door.

I have 4 different devices and electronic circuits that make it impossible to start my Vette, even with the keys, the only way to steal it is tow it. Don't leave it unattended for than a few minutes. Sucks sometimes but that's the way it is

Cavu2u

MotorHead
If you want to share your deterrents with a PM, I'd appreciate it. SoCal is, well, SoCal.

Steve

LittleRed1980

I've just gotten my '80 out of storage after almost 20 years w/ hopes of spending a little quality time on it in the coming months.

I have the door key. But, I locked the door out of habit, like an idiot, when I trailered it. Now, the lock is frozen. I've sprayed in WD40 everywhere I can for a few weeks now, thinking I might eventually free things up w/o any luck. I've got mirrored-glass tops, and I've pounded on them about as hard as I think I can without shattering them w/o any luck.

I'm not sure how much force its gonna take to get this thing unlocked, but I'd sure like to try the dipstick trick I've been reading about on the forum if you someone can point me in the right direction.

Appreciate any help/suggestions. Looking forward to exploring the forum.

TimAT

Sort of- If they're glass tops, be EXTREMELY careful. Lean on the top over the latch and bump it with your fist. If the top is adjusted really tight on the latches the odds of success are very low. I have gotten into many of them like that, but I also broke a glass top one time too.

MelWff

both doors are frozen? are you sure you have the correct key for the door?

LittleRed1980

Thanks. Yes. Years of not being cycled, I expect. I am certain I have the correct key for the door. Good question, though.