C3 Door Lock/Handle

[Tony H.]

I finally got around to removing the disfunctional outer door handle (passenger side). The bottom part or the body that holds the spring broke. That was the "clink" I heard the day it failed. The solution will be to buy a new GM outside door handle. When I install the new handle, will I need to remove the rod assembly? How do I remove the rod assembly from the lock assembly?

I also have a problem with the door lock assembly in the same door. The fork that traps the door striker when the door is closed does not spring open when the door is opened from the inside. With the door opened, I completely closed the fork and then tried to open it using an curved awl as the striker and I could not get it to open. It seems to me that the assembly needs some work. I tried to clean it up with some PB Blaster while it was in the door but this did not fix it. How do I remove this assembly? Can it be done without removing the window? It's a tight fit.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Tony I want to comment on a replacement door opener. I have a 68 and 70. I replaced the 68's outside door handle about 1982 with a new out of the box GM part. Today that replacement part shows more wear from very little use as opposed to what originally came on my 70. I am talking about the driver doors of both cars. What I am saying here is that the chrome finish on my 70's door handle is superior to what I bought as a replacement for the 68 from GM. If your chrome is in good shape, it might be better to repair your 70's handle if parts are available.

[Tony H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Jim,
I do have the parts to make that repair. I'll give that a try. I have not much to lose. The chrome is still in good shape.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Tony,

In addition, used passenger's side handles are very common at the larger swap meets. It's usually the driver's side that breaks due to higher usage.

I purchased a new handle (do NOT buy a foreign repro) of US manufacture from The Last Detail at Bloomington in 1996, and it still looks great.

The lock portion you asked about can be removed relatively easily (i.e. as easily as anything else in the door) by removing its screws in the door jamb.

Patrick

[Tony H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Patrick,
So it does come out without glass removal. I did remove the three screws that secure the lock assembly in place but I couldn't easily remove the assembly. What is the best position for the glass? Up, half-way, down, or ALL of the above - whatever it takes?
Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Whatever it takes. I did it last year, so I know it's possible. If I recall it's sort of a "part way" position.

Now try doing it with power windows, but no power. It was a thrill, let me tell you.

Patrick

[Daniel Grunwald]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Tony,
I had part of the lower handle assembly break on my 70 last year with the door closed and the door panel on with the door locked. Talk about fun!! We tend to forget things that are painful for us so I don't remember all of the small things about installing/removing the handle but I do remember that it was really tough to get the handle out after removing the nuts from the inside of the assembly. The handle just wouldn't quite come out with the opening that was there. The secret was to remove the studs from the bottom of the handle and put them on after you get the handle set in the opening. With the studs in it was impossible. Hope this helps.
Daniel

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

Dan,

The same thing happened to me, just before I was about to drive 600 miles to Bloomington. Thankfully, with the assistance of some fellow enthusiasts who have since becomre friends, I fixed it on the field at Bloomington. My door panels were old reproductions, so I didn't care if they were slightly damaged in the process.

Driving the 600 miles and climbing in and out of the passenger's side was interesting, too.

Patrick

[Tony H.]

Re: C3 Door Lock/Handle

I took a closer look at the parts that broke in the handle. The chrome-plated cast loop where the blue spring rests around a solid rivet is the portion that failed. It looks like I need to replace the handle.