Does anyone have any tips for getting access to the door lock cylinders so I can replace them? I've removed the handle, lock and screws from the vinyl door panel last night but couldn't figure out the mirror cable, I hear there is a screw on the cable near the 'escutcheon' so hopefully I can get it fully removed tonight.

Once the panel is off and the plastic is removed (and saved for reattachment) how do I get to the cylinders? I tried looking in the little hole in the upper left (drivers door) near the lock but couldn't make out anything to remove and even if I could I'm not sure how to get in there.

There is also a metal panel that covers the door with lots of bolts, am I supposed to remove that as well? I don't see anyone mentioning it in my hours or searching for help on this topic...

I'm also thinking about removing all the door hardware and cleaning it up since I'm in there. Lots of threads about solvents and white grease. Strangely, nothing specific about removing the lock cylinder except:

1. Remove the door handle - Done
2. Remove the latch - Done
3. Remove the lock *** - Done
4. Remove the mirror controls - Mostly done
5. Remove the panel - Mostly done
6. Remove the clip on the cylinder (this is where I get stuck)

Am I missing something? I have the AIM but I may be looking in the wrong place because I didn't see much on getting to the lock cylinder....

Thanks for any help and wishing you all a merry Christmas!

EDIT - 1974 Corvette, power windows.

 

Once you get inside the door you'll see a clip that is holding the cylinder into the door. If you remove this clip the cylinder will come out from the outside. But the door panel has to be all the way off the car to do this. Once you see the clip you can usually pry it off with a long screw driver.

Willcox

 

Ahhhhhhh So it's not something I can reach but need a screw driver to pop off the clip, like the lock ****... I was making it more complicated than It needed to be.

Thanks Willcox!

 

Awesome! Thanks for the detailed instructions Ed T! I'm really glad for the reassembly instructions because I was not sure how that was going to happen....

I was able to find the clip last night and got the cylinder out but there is no code on it so I guess new locks are in order...

Which brings me to the next lock then.... The spare tire. I'll start searching for methods to remove it without the key today but if anyone has done that before I'm all ears!

Thanks for the help everyone.

EDIT: Found a couple great threads about removing the two bolts that hold the long bolt that the lock seats onto or picking the lock with dental tools.

I need to study my AIM more....

 

New locks are now ordered from Willcox.