• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Can't open the D*mn door

Kap142

Kap142

New member
:banghead:It appears that the drivers side door lock has malfunctioned :banghead:as I locked it and will not unlock from inside or outside therefore the door will not open.:banghead::banghead::banghead: The AM sorta makes it look like a pivot down low in the door may have hung up(?) broke(?) or maybe she's just shooting me a bird but I can not disengage the lock lever at the bear claw to allow the handles to function.

:ack2:Hep me, hep me I'm gonna shot a 72 coupe!:ack2:
 
call a locksmith he will get it open then you can take the panels off and look for the problem a body shop also or take it to a bad neighborhood and and sure they will get it open for you.:lmao::lmao: seriously a locksmith will open that door and you can try to fix it.:dancer01::dancer01:
 
I don't know if this will help, but heres a pdf file with the Door Hardware info. :shrug01:
 
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Thanks ya'll. Have talked to one locksmith who says thanks but no thanks and are now waiting to hear back from another. One company said take it to Chevy.:shrug01:
 
I guess you could just be cool and leap into the driver's seat over the door like they do in the movies. :dodge:

Seriously, do you think any of the techs at a Chevy dealer would know anything about a C3? That car is probably older than many of the techs.

Man, good luck getting it fixed.....
 
Rich Z said:
I guess you could just be cool and leap into the driver's seat over the door like they do in the movies. :dodge:

Seriously, do you think any of the techs at a Chevy dealer would know anything about a C3? That car is probably older than many of the techs.

Man, good luck getting it fixed.....
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I too, question whether a Chevy tech would have a clue. I really think it's a worn out lock failure but until I can get it open to investigate who knows.
 
Kap142 said:
I too, question whether a Chevy tech would have a clue. I really think it's a worn out lock failure but until I can get it open to investigate who knows.
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The problem is in the Latch it's self!!(Wore OUT!!):thumbsup:Been There,Done That!! (Several Times!) It's going to be a Real Pain in the arse to get the door Opened,Because you have to get the trim panel off the inside of the door,to get to the back side of the latch to trip!!The Major problem with getting the panel off is the Early Sharks fasten to the door a little Differently than the later ones!!

I have been able to get the door open by rolling down the window and pushing the back of the door in and out (Vigorously)if you can while someone tries to work the inside lock and handle alternating at the same time!! Other wise you'll have to get the panel off the inside and work the latch with a screwdriver!! Man I'm Sorry at this time it SUCKs to be You!!:banghead:

PS If you get the door open,Don't Shut it till you have installed a New Latch!!!
It WILL STICK Again!!!Maybe not the first time,But when you least expect it,Expect it!!:ack2::ack2:
 
Kap142 said:
Damn dude you are, once again, my hero. :thumbsup: I followed the link and got a bit physical on "said" lever and I now have an open door. BTW the Vega I told you about was sold:lmao::lmao: Honestly Rick, awesome and thanks again

Ken;)

Junkie do you recommend replacing the entire latch mechanism?
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The door latch it's self,Most Definitely!!!! Unless you want to carry a screwdriver with to get in the car!!:lmao::lmao:You don't have to replace the Rods,Handles or Lock Cylinder! I've put 2 drivers side latches in my 78 in 30 years and 62,000 miles!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

PS Take a good look at the striker though,If it's worn replace it!!:thumbsup:
 
gmjunkie said:
The door latch it's self,Most Definitely!!!! Unless you want to carry a screwdriver with to get in the car!!:lmao::lmao:You don't have to replace the Rods,Handles or Lock Cylinder! I've put 2 drivers side latches in my 78 in 30 years and 62,000 miles!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

PS Take a good look at the striker though,If it's worn replace it!!:thumbsup:
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GMjunkie to the rescue again:lmao::lmao: You are becoming a superheroe
 
gmjunkie said:
The door latch it's self,Most Definitely!!!! Unless you want to carry a screwdriver with to get in the car!!:lmao::lmao:You don't have to replace the Rods,Handles or Lock Cylinder! I've put 2 drivers side latches in my 78 in 30 years and 62,000 miles!!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

PS Take a good look at the striker though,If it's worn replace it!!:thumbsup:
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Gottcha and thanks, I'll get into the door tomorrow and start the disassembly to see what I need. I'd rather replace too much then not enough. Wouldn't mind not having this happen again.
 
Ken,
Goldie is mad at you for bumping her and making her go to the "Repair Shop". You need to do some serious apologies and buy her some "Bling".

If you don't, things could get ugly between you and Goldie. Remember, she is the Queen, you are just the knave she allows to service her.

Just my humble opinion...
 
98 softtail said:
Ken,
Goldie is mad at you for bumping her and making her go to the "Repair Shop". You need to do some serious apologies and buy her some "Bling".

If you don't, things could get ugly between you and Goldie. Remember, she is the Queen, you are just the knave she allows to service her.

Just my humble opinion...
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Joe's got something there. She might have caught you eyeballing a C6 or something and got jealous.... :D

Glad to hear you got the door open.
 
Hey Ken,

Sorry I have not been on here much the past two days, but I am glad you got some help. Had the same issue a long time ago with my '69. I don't know about getting your door panel off while the door is closed. My '69 has a "L" shaped metal tab that attaches to the inside of the door panel and then screws into the door jam. So, I had to lean on my door a number of time before I got it open to fix the problem.

Although you use the drivers door more frequently than the passenger door, and therefore the latch on the drivers side wears out sooner, if it where me, I would replace both door latches and just get it over with. While you have the door panels off, now is the time to inspect the "innards" and if something needs replacing, do it now. I just hate taking my door panels off. :ack2:

Good luck Bud!

Rich
 
98 softtail said:
Ken,
Goldie is mad at you for bumping her and making her go to the "Repair Shop". You need to do some serious apologies and buy her some "Bling".

If you don't, things could get ugly between you and Goldie. Remember, she is the Queen, you are just the knave she allows to service her.

Just my humble opinion...
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Jeeze and I just thought it was Molly (our bull terrier) who's the dad-gum queen. I shall heed your wise advise and begin treating her as she wishes to be treated (ya right).
 
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Kap142 said:
Damn dude you are, once again, my hero. :thumbsup: I followed the link and got a bit physical on "said" lever and I now have an open door. BTW the Vega I told you about was sold:lmao::lmao: Honestly Rick, awesome and thanks again Ken;)
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Glad to help ... damn shame about the Vega, I just had the Riviera towed away for good and I hate to see Vicki walking.
 
All fixed. Had to do some kinda searching for the door latch, seems that only one little China factory makes um all, then ships them to the US and they go to several companies. Finally found one IN STOCK at Art's Corvette Parts in Ft. Lauderdale and they shipped it to me. Completely resolved the problem.

Thanks to all for guidence.

Ken:thumbsup:
 
Kap142 said:
All fixed. Had to do some kinda searching for the door latch, seems that only one little China factory makes um all, then ships them to the US and they go to several companies. Finally found one IN STOCK at Art's Corvette Parts in Ft. Lauderdale and they shipped it to me. Completely resolved the problem.

Thanks to all for guidence.

Ken:thumbsup:
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:
 
C5Rick said:
Did ya look here
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=2048969&highlight=door+stuck
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Kap142 said:
Damn dude you are, once again, my hero. :thumbsup: I followed the link and got a bit physical on "said" lever and I now have an open door. BTW the Vega I told you about was sold:lmao::lmao: Honestly Rick, awesome and thanks again

Ken;)

Junkie do you recommend replacing the entire latch mechanism?
Click to expand...

Glad you were able to open the door :thumbsup:
 
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