Help! 1982 door latches

[confederate-toys]

While adjusting the door latch on my 82 corvette everything seemed to be working properly. After putting everything back together, including the door panel, when I shut the door, it wouldn't open again. It is not locked and I have tried everything to get it back open. Can't get the door panel off the inside because the door is shut. Can't get into the mechanism to release the catch, no holes in mechanism from top and no room to work. HELP

 

[Vette79]

Have you tried pushing in on the door from the outside while trying to open it?

 

[crowvet]

Have you tried pushing in on the door from the outside while trying to open it?

Try pushing downward on the door or pry upward at the same time you try to open.

 

[LanceB]

I had the EXACT problem with my 81. I couldn't open inside or out. If you can get in the other side and get the window down, you can take a rod and push down on a lever inside of the door and it will open right up. I ended up taking some yellow paint to highlight this lever in case I ever have that problem again (with these old cars very possible). Hopefully once you get it open you can diagnose, I had to get a whole new lock mechanism.

 

[confederate-toys]

I do have the window down and have pushed on everything I can with no luck. Will keep trying, may not have just hit the right thing yet. This is getting very frustrating.

 

[confederate-toys]

Haven't tried pushing up but have tried pushing down with no luck. Will try the upward move.

 

[Wayne robson]

try this.

Try this, jack up your vette at the correct position on that side which has the stuck door fairly high , you will see the front flex a little at the door opening, then try the door , may help.

 

[jdp6000]

You are going to have to do what the tow truck drivers do or call a tow truck. Jimmy it as they say. Window down. Look for the rod that goes from the handle to the lock mechanism.When you pull the hand the rod opens the door. Do you see the rod moving? Or do you even see the rod...is it still attached at both ends? It has to be for this to work. Anyway get a coat hanger and bend the tip into a "J" shape. slide it down and grab the rod. Pull up once you have a hold of it and push down on the handle at the same time. Its a feel thing. You will feel it working as you do it...resistance will change.

Now if the rod is off. You either need to get a hold of the rod or get the coat hanger to grap the lever on the lock mechanism.

Jim

 

[confederate-toys]

1982 stuck door

Ok, thanks to all for your suggestions. I finally had to cut the striker post off the door frame to get it open. I had purchased a new door mechanism and they threw in a post (good thing). When I finally got the mechanism out of the door I found a broken spring inside. Will repair and keep it for a spare, but the new one is working just fine.

 

[crowvet]

Ok, thanks to all for your suggestions. I finally had to cut the striker post off the door frame to get it open. I had purchased a new door mechanism and they threw in a post (good thing). When I finally got the mechanism out of the door I found a broken spring inside. Will repair and keep it for a spare, but the new one is working just fine.

Glad you got it open hope no damage in the process.