Was out tinkering in the garage, got in the car, started it, let it idle for a while, then shut it down. Went to get out, door won't open. Outer handle won't open it either. Had to drag my old fat a-- out the window. (Okay not really but the visual should make you chuckle. I actually crawled out the other side)

I looked down in the window channel,  it looks like the only issue is the latch it self not releasing the teeth. The rods all move, but it just does not open. As ya'll well know, the door panels can't come off without damaging them as long as the door is closed.

Thoughts on how to get it open?


|UPDATED|12/23/2012 9:02:47 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Yeah...the visual is priceless! 
Try bumping the door INward while pushing the latch on the outside...bumping with your hip, that is....not a sledge-o-matic.
And....you KNOW I gotta say it, so here it is....make sure the door is UNLOCKED....
If the rods are moving far enough, there may just be enough tension on the latch to keep it from fully releasing, so bumping it inward might let it release. Other than that, you may need to get a long screwdriver or something down in there to maybe put a little more movement on the rod.

This is a long shot, but then, I always bet on long shots.  Open the window, then try to open the door using inside and outside handles at once.  May just give you just enough "bump."

I have had this happen several times on various C3 corvettes usually found that lock is working and the bolt that the lock fastens over is loose. removed the rear interior cover behind the post and was able to get the bolt in a snug enough position to let the door open. 

Ding, Ding Ding.....we have a winner....I actually finally manned up and pushed really hard it it popped open.

Loctite will make sure that does not happen again....