bamavettes

A friend of mine just bought a 76 and the passenger door will not open from the outside or the inside. He can't get the door panel off with the door closed.

Any ideas how he can get this door open.

Thanks,

battsup

i had the same problem, and i was trying to get the skin off and everyhting but then my dad came by, quickly depressed the handle so it popped up to the regular position and presto!!! worked like a charm

mapman

bamavettes,

Remove the door panel on the DRIVER'S side. Take a look at how the lock mechanism works. That may help you determine how to open the passenger's side door using a coat hanger (or similar tool). Having the window rolled down will probably give you the best acess to the lock.

Some locks may have a plastic dust/water shield to protect the lock mechanism

rainman69

When my lock(s) stuck, I used a slim jim from the "Help!" section of Advance Auto Parts. Roll the window down and you should be able to see down the door to grab the appropriate lock arm.

:smash:

hunt4cleanair

I wrote an article on how to do this when my 30k 78 door froze up. One of the guys described it pretty well. Use your drivers door to test your procedure on first. With window rolled down, and dust shield shoved to the side, use a large blade long screwdriver (any make will do).

You're looking for the striker bolt latch and it should be the same in 76. You may not have the dust shield. But the latch has a primary and secondary. You want to pop the latch off the striker bolt with a push of the screwdriver blade. Once unlatched, the door may or may not pop open. Just push on it to see if it opened.

Once you've got your technique down on the driver's door...try the passenger door. No need to tear up a door panel to get it open...patience, flashlight, screwdriver should be all you need.

72GACRZR

All the above sounds like good advice, but are you sure it is unlocked?
Can you turn the inside lock ****? If the handles move in a free fall motion(meaning like nothings engaging) the lock could be engaged.

Sorry, but I always have to ask the simple questions. :seeya

bamavettes

Thanks everyone for the good advice.

He wanted me to post the question and he was suppose to check in today and see your suggestions.

MotorHead

Happend to me had to take the seat out thru the ttop :D

Geoff1340

I've had to replace both door latch assy's. First roll down the window and peer down into the darkness, there is a small "lever", press down with a long thin screwdriver (Craftsman) hopefully the door will open and the real fun begines... :cheers: