1981 C3 Door Lock Mechanism

[Lee42224]

Hi Guys, first post, new NCRS member.
My c3 (1981) drivers door has been a bit iffy over the past couple of days, until yesterday when I went ot the newsagents, locked it and couldnt get back in :-(.
Had to climb in through the passenger door and over the centre console great fun....
Anyway, the lock 'clicks' externally, the handle outside moves with v little resistance...the plunger internally wont move at all and nothing happens when the central locking actuator is flicked.
Firstly.. any ideas what is likely cause
Secondly... how do I get the door unlocked and opened to fix the mechanism? I dont think the interior panel will come off from inside with the door closed will it?

Any hints and tips I would be greatly appreciative... I know my way around the door mech (as I stripped and lubed the passenger one durign the summer)so explain away.

Thanks in Advance.........

[Jim T.]

Re: 1981 C3 Door Lock Mechanism

There are some posts about this problem in the archives and how the person was able to rectify the problem.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1981 C3 Door Lock Mechanism

Sounds like an interconnect lock rod fell out of its mating hole.... Contrary to popular belief, even with the factory original anti-theft 'pockets' surrounding the door handle mechanism inside the door, one skilled in Corvette 'burglarly' can get the door open reasonably quickly.

You lower the window and from the top, through the rear of the glass channel, insert a screwdriver of 'appropriate' length. Get ON the door lock release arm and adroitly 'pop' it.

If you've never done this before, expect to be thoroughly frustrated and most likely make a REAL MESS inside your door! It's dark down there where you have to go and you work basically by Braile....

But, those experienced in working on older Corvettes can make it look fast and simple! If it's something you HAVE to do yourself, then it IS possible to train yourself IF you have a 'naked' door assy to set next to your car and practice on....

So, hire a pro (Corvette mechanic or locksmith) or be prepared for a healthy learning curve experience!

[Tom R.]

Re: 1981 C3 Door Lock Mechanism

Hey Lee:

I wrote an article that was published in the restorer a few years ago and Jack describes the method I wrote about. Similar thing happened to my 78 on the passenger side. Just add flashlight and try it.

As described, use a long blade screwdriver but try it on the passenger side first...even pull the panel off so you can watch what happens. You'll have that plastic safety piece but should be able to push it aside with the screwdriver. Than the trick is to find the latch...if you get it just right, it will "pop" open! Good luck.

[Lee42224]

Re: 1981 C3 Door Lock Mechanism

Guys,

Thanks very much. Got the door open using the technique posted, flashlight helped a lot. A combination of things going on inside. The door actuator has worn at teh linkage which is slipping causing a bend in the actuator so it isn't moving in a straight line compounding the problem. This is putting pressure on the exterior handle rod which has bust the clip off of it and it must have popped out when I cloed the door deatching the linkage.
So, at least I got into her and can fix the problems now.
Thanks again, really appreciate it.
Lee