Passenger door lock

[Russell Fulks]

Hello again all,

My passenger door (77 L-82) works fine, except that after locking it from either the outside or inside, it will not unlock. The door works fine otherwise. I have resigned myself to replacing the inner workings of the door lock assembly (not the cyliner itself) but I can't seem to find the parts that I need. I have the GM Assembly manual and the DocRebuild catalog but I can't seem to find the internal door lock assembly. Anyone know the part number(s) and where I can pick one up?

Thanks,

Russ

[Alan Dieterle]

Re: Passenger door lock

Russel,
Before removing the lock/latch system, I would try lubricating all the mechanisms.
You say you can lock it manually form the inside. I assume that it will unlock manually from inside. The key can lock it but not unlock it. Sounds like a lubrication problem. Does the key work correctly on the drivers door?
Also, another thing to do is lubricate the cam mechanism of the door opening mechanism. Use WD40 for the freeing up and then a 3in 1 oil to lubricate.
Good luck,
Al Dieterle

[Alan Dieterle]

Re: Passenger door lock

Russel,
Before removing the lock/latch system, I would try lubricating all the mechanisms.
You say you can lock it manually form the inside. I assume that it will unlock manually from inside. The key can lock it but not unlock it. Sounds like a lubrication problem. Does the key work correctly on the drivers door?
Also, another thing to do is lubricate the cam mechanism of the door opening mechanism. Use WD40 for the freeing up and then a 3in 1 oil to lubricate.
Good luck,
Al Dieterle

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Passenger door lock

Thanks Al. I'll try the WD-40. No the door will not unlock from the inside. The key works fine in the driver side also. I did notice that there was a spring that fell out when I was trying to get the passenger door open with a long screw driver. That is what led me to believe that the inner mechanism was the problem. Hopefully a little WD-40 can take care of the problem.

Russ

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Passenger door lock

Thanks Al. I'll try the WD-40. No the door will not unlock from the inside. The key works fine in the driver side also. I did notice that there was a spring that fell out when I was trying to get the passenger door open with a long screw driver. That is what led me to believe that the inner mechanism was the problem. Hopefully a little WD-40 can take care of the problem.

Russ

[Gary S.]

Re: Passenger door lock

I would doubt that spraying any oil or penetrant into the mechanism will do the trick all by itself. My 72 had a very reluctant passenger door lock. I tried the "spray solvent into the lock till it runs everywhere" routine and it only marginally improved things. I eventually wound up pulling the door lock and the latching mechanism and soaking them in solvent. Some of old grease was almost rock-like. It took quite a bit of soaking and brushing to get to clean, bright metal. I won't suggest that your 77 lock and latch is similar to mine, but if it is, it is very easy to take apart and clean. As I recall, there are three rods and three or four clips that hold the whole shebang together. I took mine apart and had it all back together in less than two hours. That included pulling the lock cylinder, the interior latch handle and mechanism and the door latch held to the door by the three large phillips screws.
Gary

[Gary S.]

Re: Passenger door lock

I would doubt that spraying any oil or penetrant into the mechanism will do the trick all by itself. My 72 had a very reluctant passenger door lock. I tried the "spray solvent into the lock till it runs everywhere" routine and it only marginally improved things. I eventually wound up pulling the door lock and the latching mechanism and soaking them in solvent. Some of old grease was almost rock-like. It took quite a bit of soaking and brushing to get to clean, bright metal. I won't suggest that your 77 lock and latch is similar to mine, but if it is, it is very easy to take apart and clean. As I recall, there are three rods and three or four clips that hold the whole shebang together. I took mine apart and had it all back together in less than two hours. That included pulling the lock cylinder, the interior latch handle and mechanism and the door latch held to the door by the three large phillips screws.
Gary

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Passenger door lock

Gary,

How did you get the mechanism off? I have been looking at for a couple of days now and I can't seem to easily see how the unit would come off of the door. Did you have to remove the lock cylinder?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Russ

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Passenger door lock

Gary,

How did you get the mechanism off? I have been looking at for a couple of days now and I can't seem to easily see how the unit would come off of the door. Did you have to remove the lock cylinder?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Russ