My Door Won't Unlock

[Tony H.]

Today, I tried to open my driver side door on my 1970 coupe and the key turned but didn't unlock the door. I got in on the passenger side and tried to unlock the door from the inside and the door still would not unlock. To make things worse, I tugged on the door pull strap to make sure that the door was snuggly shut and I broke off the pull strap. Looks like I have some interior work to be done now. As soon as it stops raining, you know where I will be.

Now my questions:

How do I open the door (unlock it) so I can get the inside door panel off? My guess is that one of the levers that unlocks the door slipped or broke off some how. I will also have to fix the passenger side door as that one doesn't open from the inside. Has anyone else experienced this and would you share your experience with me?

Also, does anyone know where I can get a good used black door pull strap for my driver side door? I really don't want to get a pair if someone has an extra one sitting around for sale. I guess that won't be a big deal to get a pair of pull straps as the other is also 30 years old and could go any day, too. Also, are the repro pull straps identical to the originals?

Thanks...

Tony

[Wayne W.]

Re: My Door Won't Unlock

A long thin screwdriver straight down to the lock assembly behind the window with it rolled down. There is a small tab that when pushed down will unlatch the door no matter whether its locked or not.

[Bill Braun 33186]

Re: My Door Won't Unlock

Most locksmiths, body shops and car thieves have a nifty tool known colloquially as a "slim jim". It can be slid down between the window and weatherstripping and hooked into the tabs referred to in the above post. In the hands of an "expert" it's quicker than the key.

My mother once found one in a mall parking lot without knowing what it was - in many states "slim jims" are illegal to own. She told me she threw it away, but she always seems to have a different car when I visit. Coincidence, I'm sure.

Bill

[Chris]

Re: My Door Won't Unlock

I had a real hard time unlocking my 71, from the inside as well, but it finally did unlock. All the connections seemed to be okay and I didn't look as if anything could simply fall off or bend easily. So...a little spray can lube went a long way. Both locks now work beautifully. You could probably lube it with just the window rolled down. Of course if the key is actually turning in the lock it is something else...and remember, WD40 is NOT a lube.

[Tony H.]

Thanks all-Gremlins

I went out to the car yesterday afternoon to try and fix the problem with the lock and I found the driver's side door ajar. I tried the key and unlocked it fine. I opened the door and rolled down the window and saw the locking mechanism. It was nicely lubed like I left it several years ago when I replaced the manual window regulator. Everything works well now (except for the broken pull strap). Thanks for all the help.