78 door lock problem
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 77
Likes: 23
From: Pgh Pa
78 door lock problem
Trying to get the door locks to work on my 78. With the lock rods disconnected from the latch and accuator they move freel. Also the key works well with the rods disconnected. But hard to turn with the rods attached. But when attaching the rods minus the accuator they will not move. I have lubed the latch but have not removed it yet. Any ideas what to look at next?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
The door locks on my '79 were pretty much frozen up when it was new to me. The solution was to completely disassemble the entire mechanism (to include the key lock), clean and lubricate. When removed the actuators should move very easily by hand--if not they need to be replaced as according to those with far more experience than I they cannot be reliably repaired..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
The door locks on my '79 were pretty much frozen up when it was new to me. The solution was to completely disassemble the entire mechanism (to include the key lock), clean and lubricate. When removed the actuators should move very easily by hand--if not they need to be replaced as according to those with far more experience than I they cannot be reliably repaired..
Essentially, your door lock system is at a point where it needs to be rebuilt as Mike points out. There is suppose to be a plastic protector but they deteriorate over time, allowing moisture to penetrate door lock components. The link below is an article about repairs to the system and the technical aspects.
Hope this helps.
http://hunt4cleanair.net/Articles/doorlockrepair.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
