door unlatching

[J CECHAK]

I have an 82 CE and the drivers side door won't unlatch from the outside. The handle/lock works properly.I removed the door panel and tested the handle and it appears that there isn't enough mechanical lift. I need advice/ directions on fixing. Thank you in advance

[Tony H.]

Re: door unlatching

J,

If the door locking mechanism is the same as my 70, I suspect that something has either loosened up, worn out, or has become bent out of shape causing the outside door handle assembly to not provide the proper mechanical throw to release the lock.

I would start by removing the outer door handle. Check to see that the triangular linkage stamped plate that is attached to the riveted part of the door handle is not bent out of shape. If this is fine, then check that the curved linkage bar that attaches to the lock assembly (fastened to the door by three bolts) is not worn out. If this is ok, it is possible that the curve linkage has bent out of shape. The lower part of this curved linkage is threaded so an adjustment can be made to provide more throw with the handle.

Hope this helps.

Tony