Topic: Driver's Door Opens HARD!
in Forum: C3 Body
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Another conundrum for the assembled masses. 
My door latch is getting harder and harder to open. 
Latch depresses all the way but you have to really force it to open the driver's door. Soon I'll be shut out and don't want to crawl through the window or open it from the passenger's side. It's tuff enuff to get in the right way!!!!
Latch depresses all the way but you have to really force it to open the driver's door. Soon I'll be shut out and don't want to crawl through the window or open it from the passenger's side. It's tuff enuff to get in the right way!!!! I know I'm a gunna have to pull the door panel to fix it, but I'm not sure what I'll be looking for when I do.
Has anyone else experienced a similar problem (like who hasn't with a 36-year-old car)? What is/are the probable causes and what can I expect?
Tanks in advance.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Sounds like the rod could be bending somewhat not popping the latch immediately. It is relatively easy. It has screw adjustments on the ends. Careful with the clips. They are replaceable but if you are careful they will just clip right off and on.
Tim is right. It's really not that bad but you have to be slow and
methodical. Using a light, take a careful look at how the mechanism is
configured. It is not that complicated but it's easy to get confused
going back together. If you take your time I am sure you will get it
working properly.
Scott
Scott
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Rods bending or binding at the joints is the usual culprit...
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
Lifetime MemberIrving, TX - USA
Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273
Vette(s): #1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks.
#2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.
.....Just a thought..........have you tried white lithium grease? Mine was gettin' like that and I zapped some of that stuff in the outside handle and it's great now. I sure hope you don't have to take the door apart. 
�����
My Link 
MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Former Member
Send PM
Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Thanx guys. Micki, I don't think the grease will help; pretty sure it is an internal adjustment. FYI I can depress the outside handle all the way down, with ease, but the door won't unlatch. I have to really hold it down hard and pull the door open. For now, I am reaching in through the open window, 'cause it opens fine from the inside. I don't see how I can avoid "going in!" Thanks for the help! 
Mike
Mike
in Forum: C3 Body
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)