1968 door won't open

[Charles F.]

Just finishing a frame off on a 68 coupe. The body has been on the frame for two months and the driver's door worked fine that whole time. The inner door panel was put on the door, and the door opened fine several times that day. Now, the door will not open at all. Neither the inner pull nor the outer pull works. Since these are two separate mechanisms, I am thinking that the lock mechanism is the culprit.

When the key is inserted, there is an audible click but no release. Same when either the inner or outer handles are used.

Has anyone faced this before and, if so, how was it resolved ? Can the inner door panel be removed without damaging it ? Can the door be removed without damaging it ? Is there some way to release the lock without taking the door apart or the inner panel off ?

I should note that the locking mechanism is original to the car, but was removed, degreased, checked for operation and re-greased (white grease) before installing.

Any help will be appreciated.

Chuck Faillace

[Pat M.]

Re: 1968 door won't open

Hi Chuck. I had this happen to my 70 once. What I had to do was lower the window and insert a long, thin and strong metal rod into the window opening and force the locking mechanism open from the inside. You'll also need a very thin flashlight to insert into the window opening so you can see what you're doing.

It was some time ago, so I don't remember exactly what I had to push or pull, but it took a few hours and was very frustrating. But I didn't want to destroy my door panel, so I tried to be patient and it eventually worked.

Good Luck

[Michael W.]

Re: 1968 door won't open

Tom Russo wrote an excellent article on this a few years ago, published in the Restorer

[Charles F.]

Re: 1968 door won't open

Mike:

Do you know the issue or how I can get a copy ? Being a newer NCRS member, I don't have older Restorers.

Thanks.

Chuck

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 door won't open

Charles I believe the problem you have is that the door is locked and the push button on the outside is not able to operate. You mentioned in your post the outside door handle would not release the latch, the outside door handle does not do anything except provide a place to put your fingers to pull open the door, the push button does the opening action with the latch. Anyway if the latch is locked, neither the inside door handle or the outside door release button will release the latch.
I just examined my 68.
Your fix is easy, already mentioned you will need a strong flashlight. With the window down look at the inside back portion of your door and you can see the latch. At the top of the latch you will see a small lever. "IF" your door latch is in fact locked, this lever will be in the "down" position. You should be able to see the lever since it is the only one on top of the latch. Using srtong wire, real long skinny screwdriver, or whatever tool you come up with that will go from the top of the door panel to the lever, just pull/push it up and you can open your door.
There is a rod that goes from the inside lock to the latch that should be in place that will control the lock/unlock function, yours might not of been connected when the cleaned lubricated latch was reinstalled. There is also one similiar that is operated by the release button key operated lock/unlock function that may have not been connected or the retainer to keep it in place was not installed. After looking at my 68 if this is the problem it is easy to unlock the door mechanism coming in from the top of the door panel.

[Charles F.]

Re: 1968 door won't open

Thanks to all who replied. We were able to get the door open without damage, using the methods suggested. The latch was removed and it was not salvageable. It seems that it had been mis-adjusted for years and was hitting the pin such that the mechanism was bending. The latch is 68 only and difficult to source although Piper had one for $200. The door should be functional again by next week.

Chuck Faillace