74 vette driver won't open, mechanic busted handle

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Dec 3, 2004 | 08:40 PM

scott brown

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Got door to open but need help on removing door panel to fix problem

A screwdriver (long) near the key locking mechanism work but will not be able to open if closed again. How do I take off the door panel to due clean up and make repairs. I can hear one rod is loose, but I unscrewed all the screws around the panel that I could find but do not know how to remove manual window handle. The interior was replaced by the previous owner.

Last edited by scott brown; Dec 4, 2004 at 05:08 PM. Reason: door opened

Dec 4, 2004 | 10:09 AM

'77BABE

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From: Belgium/Germany Hot, freewheeling honeybee

I had that problem once with the '77. Door was locked and I couldn't unlock from the outside, so I tried unlocking inside, that worked. Removed the door panel and one of the remote control rods had come loose, stuck it back in and made sure it couldn't come out again. You might have a different problem, but thought this was worth mentioning.
Sorry, don't know about replacing assembly...

Dec 4, 2004 | 03:43 PM

scott brown

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I don't see a means of taking off door panel in tact if door does not open.

Dec 4, 2004 | 04:08 PM

'77BABE

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From: Belgium/Germany Hot, freewheeling honeybee

so both doors are locked and you can't get in? Then I have no idea as to how you're going to do something. The previous owner might know how to solve the problem if they are locked. But to actually get to the handles and locking bars I think you will have to remove the panel.
If you can get in the car, maybe you can roll down the window and use a wire of some kind to push (or pull, not sure which way unlocks it) the locking rod.

Dec 4, 2004 | 04:11 PM

scott brown

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One door works. I am looking a a diagram of the door locking mechanism and it appears that you have to push down on it to open it. A coat hanger just seems to bend when hitting it.

Dec 4, 2004 | 04:22 PM

'77BABE

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From: Belgium/Germany Hot, freewheeling honeybee

Do you have the Haynes Manual? They have some good diagrams of the handles and locking mechanism. If you find something sturdier, I think that should work. Maybe yoou can twist the door hanger to make it sturdier, but I'm not sure if it fits.

Dec 4, 2004 | 05:19 PM

69autoXr

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From: Detroit MI

I believe there's a clip that holds the window crank on. You have to push the clip out first to remove the crank, then the door panel should come off.

Dec 4, 2004 | 05:36 PM

Bill Oxley

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From: Denver Colorado

lock

I think this is a worn out door latch problem.

Been there!

Fortunately, I had the door panel off when the problem occured. From everything I could tell, it would be near impossible to get the door off with the door panel on.

I was able to mess with latch form inside (around door access panels with door panel off) to get the door opened.

But, otherwise, I was thinking I would have to cut the door panel to gain access to the latch assembly.

After that, I bought a new latch assembly, but have not installed it yet as I'm doing a frame off and many other fish to fry.

But I can tell you, from my experience, I tried everything possible to get the door open. If the door panel had been on, I was screwed. So good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Bill