door locks
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 92
Likes: 14
From: Lafayette Indiana
door locks
I'm having an issue where the keys don't lock the doors. They will fit but I cant move them to lock the car. The lock cylinder also will jiggle a little bit so I'm wondering if it's disconnected but idk what I'm looking for in the door.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,135
Likes: 4,245
From: US-PNW
Won't lock or unlock either door? Sounds like you have the wrong key.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
Do you have both keys? The ignition key is square, locks are round. GM alternated lettered pairs for many years into the 80s, so you'll need an A and B key, or C and D key, etc. In my 79, the power door lock actuator siezed in one of the doors and prevented manual actuation. After I replaced it, and greased the mechanism, the manual locks (and power) worked normally.
Don't need keys if the windows are down and the T-Tops are off.
Don't need keys if the windows are down and the T-Tops are off.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 272
Likes: 31
In my 69 it’s very simple. You have a pawl on the back of the lock that slides on to the door lock lever. When you turn the key it simply moves the lever-It wouldn’t be probable that you have issues with both door loch mechanisms - thus I second post #1’s comment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,654
Likes: 2,469
From: Indiana
also on yours..turning left on drivers door sets alarm..
took me 2 weeks to figure that out..let's just say i found the extra horn and the plug.
it is helpful to post year in your questions fyi.. 79 L82
took me 2 weeks to figure that out..let's just say i found the extra horn and the plug.
it is helpful to post year in your questions fyi.. 79 L82
Last edited by interpon; Apr 21, 2021 at 09:47 AM.
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If they are the correct keys for the doors then the mechanism could be just full of debris. If thats the case flushing it out with penetrant can greatly improve it if you dont want to remove them to clean them. Just get a good penetrant and use the red straw, push it into the key hole and flush it out. Use the key to jiggle the inards and repeat. If its seized the penetrant will help to get the parts free. I like PB blaster.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Yep. Many years of service without additional lubrication will make door lock mechanisms gummed-up and sticky. Eventually, the resistance in the lock mechanism will be enough that the linking rod will bend and nothing will happen. You just need to remove the door panel and shoot some cleaner into the lock mechanism to free it up. Then put some fresh white lithium grease in it to re-lube. Work the lock with the key (Lock - Unlock) several times to get everything working well again. Now, you're good for another 20 years. 
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