Door problems

[RRROBB]

Could someone give me a definative answer
I have the same problem a lot of you guys have in that on occasion my door will not latch when closed or will not unlock when locked. I seem to always get it open by the flicking of the inside handle method and I have been told the problem is a "worn out spring".
And now for the ?
where is this mystery spring in the latch or handle mechanism, How do I fix this problem?? If I go to remote locks will it solve the problem or make it worse??
H E L P !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[photovette]

My '77 had the same problem--it turn out the hinge pin bushings were were out completely.

 

[Oregonvette]

Oregonvette

I have the same problem with my 81 Corvette doors. I managed to get the drivers door opened by messing with the remote door locks (that seems to have caused the problem in the first place). The passenger door is still locked solid. I have messed with it for several hours trying to get it to open. Is it possible to take it apart while closed or open it some other way? If the problem is pins or springs how do you open it to fix it?

 

[craig32]

If your problem with the door is unlocking and not unlatching, some police (and car thieves) use an item called a 'slim jim' to unlock it. There are different kinds, depending on the application. For obvious reasons, I won't explain it any further here. When you say 'remote locks', is this an aftermarket product you added? Good luck getting it opened, it's gotta make your lady unhappy that she has to wait on the curb while you go cruzin!

Craig

 

[sofast4u]

hey guys

THE SLIM JIM {WILL NOT} WORK ON VETTES

I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE. I LOCKED MY SELF OUT AND HAD TO GO FOR THE SPARE.....

THE OTHER WAY IS TO DRILL A SMALL HOLE UNDER THE KEY HOLE AND PLAY IN THERE I GUESS WITH A SMALL SCREW DRIVE....

ALSO FROM EXPERIENCE.... SOMEONE TRIED TO RIP OFF MY 77 VETTE IN MIAMI YEARS AGO AND THATS WHAT I FOUND IN THE DOOR, IT WAS OPEN TOO!!!!!

 

[craig32]

Jeff,
You found what in the door?

 

[Daryllawman]

You can take the door panel off with the door locked....then you can reach in and open the door by pulling on the latch. That will open the door and then you can take the inspection panel off and see what is wrong with it and what it will take to fix the problem. In my case the keeper pin had broken that holds the rod into the lock assembly....

 

[Oregonvette]

Oregonvettes Remote Locks

If your problem with the door is unlocking and not unlatching, some police (and car thieves) use an item called a 'slim jim' to unlock it. There are different kinds, depending on the application. For obvious reasons, I won't explain it any further here. When you say 'remote locks', is this an aftermarket product you added? Good luck getting it opened, it's gotta make your lady unhappy that she has to wait on the curb while you go cruzin!

Craig

Hi Craig, What I meant by Remote Locks was the alarm button on my key chain that locks my doors. I can sit in the drivers seat and unlock the drivers door by hand inside the car only if the key is out of the ignition. Once locked, if I am not sitting in the drivers seat the doors always stay locked even though it sounds like it unlocks, weather I use the remote lock button on my key chain or if I reach in and pull on the latch or use the electric door lock switch on the door. I found that pushing on the drivers door the same time I click the electric door lock switch on and off until I hear a slightly different sound (this is when the door actually unlocks) works. Concerning the passenger door that is still locked shut...another member has suggested I take that door apart while locked. I will try that because as another member pointed out - a slim jim will not work on this vette - I agree because I can see linkage moving inside the door but it will not unlock.
Ed

 

[Oregonvette]

Oregonvettes locked doors

You can take the door panel off with the door locked....then you can reach in and open the door by pulling on the latch. That will open the door and then you can take the inspection panel off and see what is wrong with it and what it will take to fix the problem. In my case the keeper pin had broken that holds the rod into the lock assembly....

For some reason my key (although I can put it in the doors and turn it both ways) does not work at all. According to the book, when you use your alarms remote control button to set the alarm (automaticly locking your doors) using your key is supposed to override the alarm and unlock the doors. I will try what you suggest...
Thanks, Mr Ed

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Could someone give me a definative answer
I have the same problem a lot of you guys have in that on occasion my door will not latch when closed or will not unlock when locked. I seem to always get it open by the flicking of the inside handle method and I have been told the problem is a "worn out spring".
And now for the ?
where is this mystery spring in the latch or handle mechanism, How do I fix this problem?? If I go to remote locks will it solve the problem or make it worse??
H E L P !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RROBB,
If you take the inside door panel off and remove the plastic piece inside that door behind the door handle, you will see a linkage that extends down to the latch mechanism. The linkage has a threaded section with a cylindrical barrel and a clip to hold it in place. That barrel can be rotated to extend the rod to the point that the latch will work. Grease the heck out of all those assembies with some spray lithium grease while you are in there. That should do the trick

 

[Yoda]

Ed,

What I meant by Remote Locks was the alarm button on my key chain that locks my doors. I can sit in the drivers seat and unlock the drivers door by hand inside the car only if the key is out of the ignition. Once locked, if I am not sitting in the drivers seat the doors always stay locked even though it sounds like it unlocks, weather I use the remote lock button on my key chain or if I reach in and pull on the latch or use the electric door lock switch on the door. I found that pushing on the drivers door the same time I click the electric door lock switch on and off until I hear a slightly different sound (this is when the door actually unlocks) works. Concerning the passenger door that is still locked shut...another member has suggested I take that door apart while locked. I will try that because as another member pointed out - a slim jim will not work on this vette - I agree because I can see linkage moving inside the door but it will not unlock.
Ed

This sounds like an aftermarket locking/alarm system. The 1981 didn't have a remote locking signal device. I'm curious if your car starts with your doors locked... the 81 was the first year to use the starter interupt in conjucntion with the alarm system. Someone may have completely disabled the original alarm system including the key locking device.. Also does your 81 have original electric lock or is it original mechanical... (is there an electric switch to lock and unlock the doors or is it totally mechanical with the push button on the door??)

Either way it sounds like a disassembly is in order to find out what is and isn't happening with the locking system. If possible compare what you see with an assembly manual. If you don't have one let me know and I can scan pages and send them to you..

Bud

 

[Oregonvette]

Oregonvette door locks

Ed,

This sounds like an aftermarket locking/alarm system. The 1981 didn't have a remote locking signal device. I'm curious if your car starts with your doors locked... the 81 was the first year to use the starter interupt in conjucntion with the alarm system. Someone may have completely disabled the original alarm system including the key locking device.. Also does your 81 have original electric lock or is it original mechanical... (is there an electric switch to lock and unlock the doors or is it totally mechanical with the push button on the door??)

Either way it sounds like a disassembly is in order to find out what is and isn't happening with the locking system. If possible compare what you see with an assembly manual. If you don't have one let me know and I can scan pages and send them to you..

Bud

You can hear both doors lock when ignition key is turned on. Both doors have an electric door lock (up and down switch). Both doors have a pull lever to open door inside car that is mechanical. Both doors have a push-pull rod on doors inside car to lock or unlock door(s) that are mechanical. I have no repair books. California smog has been disabled. Motor may not be origional per seller. Most wires are old, stiff and need replacing. Car is still a kick to drive. Girlfriend is tired of sitting on curb.

Mr Ed