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Topic: Door lock/release sticks

in Forum: C3 Interior


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Door lock/release sticks (4/14)
 6/7/08 8:26am
crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

Dave,  Ive had the same problem and finally replaced the latch mechanism.  I hope you dont have to replace yours but if you do I highly recomend either getting a used GM latch or buying a new GM unit..ouch $$$$.  I replaced mine with a cheap repro and it does not fit right, yes it works but no comparison with the original quality and I had trouble adjusting the strike bolt so the door would line up when closed.
Door lock/release sticks (5/14)
 6/8/08 12:09am
sgm2004
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Falls Church, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1975, 4 speed, L48, NOW Silver mist, Oxblood inside 2003 50th Av Torch RED little brother to 75


Joined: 3/22/2006
Posts: 232

[QUOTE=Crossfire1982]Dave,  Ive had the same problem and finally replaced the latch mechanism.  I hope you dont have to replace yours but if you do I highly recomend either getting a used GM latch or buying a new GM unit..ouch $$$$.  I replaced mine with a cheap repro and it does not fit right, yes it works but no comparison with the original quality and I had trouble adjusting the strike bolt so the door would line up when closed.[/QUOTE]
 
Agree with chip need to just replace the latch mechanism. I jacked with mine about every way I couldWits%20End. Still no luck. Finially got a GM repro one from Eckler's works great. I have noticed they seem to have gone down in price since I bought mine though. They are pricey but well worth the cost and trouble of messing with it all the time. Just my thoughts, thanks.
 
sgm2004
Door lock/release sticks (6/14)
 6/8/08 2:40pm
lbbounder
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Florence, KY - USA

Vette(s):
1977 Coupe; yellow, 4 speed, one option car with original engine


Joined: 9/9/2007
Posts: 143

not trying to change the subject but on my car, (no power locks), the passenger door opens fine from the outside but will not open from the inside; suggestions

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Door lock/release sticks (7/14)
 6/9/08 12:24pm
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

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70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


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Posts: 1031

First, the locks.  You are both right.  Quite often cleaning and lubrication does the trick, and sometimes a little bend to the lock linkage will take up the wear.  And sometimes you need to replace the unit.  We have found a replacement unit that seems to fit and work fine. 

As for the door not opening, take the door panel off and look for a rod that has fallen off between the handle and latch.  Usually a new keeper will get you going again.

Larry
Door lock/release sticks (8/14)
 6/9/08 6:23pm
dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

Thanks for the helpful hints guys.
 
I took the door panel off again, sprayed all the mechanism with "Gunk Engine Cleaner", wiped off all the excess I could reach and then sprayed it all with WD40.
 
It has never worked better.
 
We'll see how long that lasts.
 
I might even do the passenger side as part of preventive maintenance.
 
And of course now I know for sure that my anti-theft alarm doesn't work.
Just one more mystery to solve.Cry
 


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Door lock/release sticks (9/14)
 6/9/08 7:14pm
rraider1
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Woodland, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1165

I had the same problem with mine removed the latch mechanism soaked in gas and cleaned with gunk, lubed with oil then wd40 and white greasereinstalled then workrd great
Door lock/release sticks (10/14)
 6/12/08 10:33pm
FirstCorvette!
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Easley, SC - USA

Vette(s):
Yellow 1980, L48,Auto, Matching Numbers, Everything factory original...for now.


Joined: 4/14/2008
Posts: 39

How big a pain is it to remove the latch mechanism ?  I sprayed WD40 in mine and it worked a little while not it's stuck again.  I think the WD40 only lasts a little while and I need to get some white grease in there but I want to clean it good first.  Don't want to have to get into the door again.
Door lock/release sticks (11/14)
 6/13/08 8:29am
crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

Vette(s):
black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion


Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094

FirstCorvette,  When you get the door panel off you should see a black plastic water diverter covering the latch mechanism.  This is held on by 2 (I believe)screws in the edge of the door.  This has to be removed in order to get to the latch itself. disconnecting rod clips is the first,and perhaps the only easy step on the latch itself. Unless you have examined one of the flat clips for the flapper rod, look closely at an online catalog to see exactly how the clip locks on the latch lever, it will make removal easier. Once all of those are disconnected the 3 screws in the edge of the door have to be removed.  The latch WILL come through the access opening in the door but it will take some twisting,   turning, and blue language to get it out and the same to reinstall it. (I've not tried it but it may be possible to remove / install the latch through the large access port in the bottom of the door and pull it up into position others may know if this can be done.) If you drop the latch while trying to get it out, you will have to fish it out of the bottom of the door.  I tie a string somethwere on the latch body before I disconnect it and then tie the other end somewhere on the door so if I drop it inside of the door cavity its no big deal, I can pull it right back up. Take your meds and sit a "cuss jar" nearby you may need it when putting everything back together.  It's an agrivating job but not the worst you will do on your vette.  Others may have some tricks to make it go smoother.  Unless it's an emergency job, you may want to order a couple extra rod clips in case you loose one inside of the door, especially the little flat one that secures the flappper rod to the square latch lever. Crossfire19822008-06-13 05:37:21
Door lock/release sticks (12/14)
 6/13/08 10:19am
DaveMLifetime Member
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Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.


Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2552

[QUOTE=FirstCorvette!]How big a pain is it to remove the latch mechanism ?  I sprayed WD40 in mine and it worked a little while not it's stuck again.  I think the WD40 only lasts a little while and I need to get some white grease in there but I want to clean it good first.  Don't want to have to get into the door again.[/QUOTE]
 
You need to get some grease on the parts. Get a spray can of white lithium grease and use the straw to get it into the mechanism. Keep shaking the can. WD40 really is not a lubricant.
have fun,
Dave


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Door lock/release sticks (13/14)
 6/13/08 6:31pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Take another look at the grease slurry I described in my post above.  It worked.  That is what we did at the dealer.
Door lock/release sticks (14/14)
 7/11/08 10:55pm
Brown78
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Ft.Lauderdale, FL - USA

Vette(s):
78 coupe, Dk Brown, ZZ4 385 hp fast burn, steeroid rack/pinion, Keisler 5 speed. Built to run with C5 and C6. on the highway. Can't beat them. But they can't lose me in there mirrors. LOL I built it to enjoy. So far I've tripped through 15 States.


Joined: 6/21/2008
Posts: 31

I just went through the same thing. Drivers door key turned but it was hard.  The passenger lock would work only when I didn't need it to work. But if I had to unlock the door with some one waiting to get in. It wouldn't work.  I changed the lock actuator on the passenger side. Even though it seemed like it was working. It wasn't 100%. As far as the lock and key on the drivers side I've sprayed WD-40  BP Blaster, then Lithium grease and it was still hard to turn. I pulled the actuator out. It didn't look bad. But, It was still 30years old. I changed it and now everything works fine. Now I don't have to worry about breaking off the key in the lock. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.Approve
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