Door lock issues
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 91
Likes: 34
From: North Lincolnshire, England
Door lock issues
When I got my 76 'vette I only had the ignition keys. So I got 2 new barrels and have so far replaced the drivers side lock, the problem I've got is when the door is open the lock works fine and the key turns easy, its like this too when the door is open and the lock cam is engaged, no problem. As soon as I shut the door though, the barrel won't rotate freely in to the lock position. First I thought it was the handle which would not fully retract back so I've replaced the handle but the problem is still there. Any ideas?
My guess is that the door striker is some how hindering the mechanism, as when the door is open everything works fine, anyone had this problem before?
My guess is that the door striker is some how hindering the mechanism, as when the door is open everything works fine, anyone had this problem before?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,750
Likes: 1,642
From: Fairfax Virginia
I bought a 1968 C3 with just an ignition key. A quick journey to a "Locksmith" and he had the door key made for me. Then better yet he made the door key and ignition key the same so I don't need to have 2 keys everywhere I go.
When I refer to a locksmith I mean a real Lock smith and not a key maker. This was less than a 15 minute job for the locksmith who did mine. They would know what needs to be lubricated to make the lock work properly.
The hinge on the door can cause the door to droop a bit which makes it harder to line up and close/lock. I had to replace the ones on my old Chevy Pickup truck and it was not that easy but the door sure worked better after the hinge pin was replaced.
When I refer to a locksmith I mean a real Lock smith and not a key maker. This was less than a 15 minute job for the locksmith who did mine. They would know what needs to be lubricated to make the lock work properly.
The hinge on the door can cause the door to droop a bit which makes it harder to line up and close/lock. I had to replace the ones on my old Chevy Pickup truck and it was not that easy but the door sure worked better after the hinge pin was replaced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
If you have completely clean the Entire locking system, then your lock may be worn out. Use a good light to observe if the key when turned, is moving the lever that unlocks the door lock. I had to change out the locking mechanism on my drivers door. Turning the key on the door lock should move easily. I would remove the door card and watch the movement of key lock being turned by a helper. I don’t believe that the key lock knows if the door is closed. Are you positive that you have the parts connecting the key lock to the associated parts correct? The small arms are passenger and driver side specific, they will not work if you have them reversed.
