door won't unlock, help!

[glcoleman]

Got out of work and couldn't unlock the driver door on my 71. How do I open the door to get the lock out.

 

[The73vetteman]

Hi,

I had the very same problem back in April and posted the exact same question. A couple of very helpful guys came to my rescuse with photos. Do a search on my name and/or "unlock" and you'll find them.

I assume you have tried to open the door from the passenger side?

The trick is to lower the window then reach in with something hooked and pull up the rod from the interior locking knob. To stop it happening again you'll probably want to remove the door panel and give the latch mechanism a good cleaning. I soaked it in WD40, let it dry and then put in a few drops of light oil.

BTW, removing the latch mechanism is a bit of a PITA unless you have fingers 9 inches long. I solved my unlocking problem without removing the latch.

Good luck!
'73

 

[WayneLBurnham]

Odds are you have to make some adjustments.

Once it's opened, you're going to probably need to adjust the little rods that operate the lock and the latch mechanisms. It's annoying to figure out what does what and what adjustment is needed. You may also have lost one of the little swing latch securing dealies. You can get more of those at any auto parts store and temporarily use zip ties. (Come to think of it, one of mine is STILL using a zip tie... )

Sometimes the little rods get bent too. Fortunately, they bend back fairly easily.

Good luck!

 

[glcoleman]

Thanks for the help. I had to dig a little further into the latch to get the door open though. The outside latch assembly spring slipped and was putting slight pressure on the lock mechanism, keeping it from unlatching with key or inside. I couldn't get it to adjust properly after I got the door open. Too loose and I couldn't open it from outside, too tight and I couldn't un-lock the door. Got PO'ed and took the latch out for the 4th time and also removed the outside latch this time. Fixed the spring, and "adjusted" (bent) the pusher mechanism, and it worked.

Thanks again guys