Hi gang,
The doors on my '81 have lots of sqeaks, plus neither exterior door latch release works all that well, so I thought I would fix these things. I have taken off the inside door panels and plastic moisture shield. I plan to order new glass "anti-rattle" cushions. Any other common sources of C3 door rattles and squeaks you guys know of? Also, in order to remove the exterior latch mechanisms and the manual key locks, do I need to remove the window glass? I can't see any other way, but I am scared of alignment problems when it goes back together. I can't find any dissembly/assembly sequence in the AIM, Shop manual, or Chilton's...
Thanks for you help. Someone on this forum always comes through for me!

Edgewood Ky,Im originally from Independence.I used to work at Antique Auto Shop Anyway,You should be able to access the door lock with the window up.Ive done alot of these and I usually dont remove the window unless the customer wants to rebuild the doors.What part of Edgewood are you from?

|UPDATED|2/16/2004 1:07:10 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I can't figure out how to reach the backside of the key lock and the latch release mechanism with the window in place. The only access hole that would seem to be appropriate is covered by the window. Can you provide more detail? Do guys remove the power door motor and gear and reach up from below?? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

BTW, great looking paint job on that chrome-bumper vette, Paintdaddy. Not sure how long it's been since you were in Northern KY, but I live in Prestwicke, which is a subdivision at the corner of Dudley and Thomas More Pkwy. I fequently drive to Independence when I have a few minutes to take the Vette out for a spin. If you haven't been there in a while, you'd be shocked. It has grown TREMENDOUSLY in the last 10 years.

The best way to reach the lock is from the access hole at the rear with the window up.Its a tight fit but if you can squeeze your hand up in there you should be able to reach it.If need be you can loosen the upward limit blocks that limit how far the window goes up.They are 3/8 bolts (I think)with nylon/plastic blocks with a half moon cut out of them on the bottm half.This is to stop the roller from traveling out of the track.If you want to remove the lock just unclip the rod and pull it out of the way and pull the U shaped clip towards the front of the car and the lock will fall out.More than likely though it is the latch mechanism that is giving you problems.They just started reproing these last year.They are a little pricey but worth it.There are some adjustments that are on the rods that are exposed when the door panel is off ,running from the latch to the door handle and lock knob.Hope this helps.
I get up that way at least once a year for a class reunion or wedding or funeral.We went up last year for a class reunion and to see the Webn Fireworks.I still have a brother up ther but we dont speak.My wife still has 1 brother and 1 sister up there and her best freind out in Walton.I wont admit it to the wife but I miss that area bad sometimes.Id like to raise my kids there but we are settled and starting a new business.That area has exploded with in the last 5 years.Oh well if my description doesnt help let me know Ill try to figure out another way.