Door won't open 68 coupe

[Ted K.]

Car has been sitting for several year and passenger door won't open on 1968 Coupe. From outside pushed button, from inside pulled door handle enough to break it and at the same time moved the inside door lock back and forth. The door is closed with door panel on. If I could get the door open I am sure I can fix the problem. HOW DO I GET IT OPEN?

[Russ S.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

Does the inside lock feel like it is hooked up and functioning? If not have you tried to unlock from the outside with the key?

[Scott S.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

Car has been sitting for several year and passenger door won't open on 1968 Coupe. From outside pushed button, from inside pulled door handle enough to break it and at the same time moved the inside door lock back and forth. The door is closed with door panel on. If I could get the door open I am sure I can fix the problem. HOW DO I GET IT OPEN?

Ted,

Does this car have any serious frame rust, particularly in the area of the rear kick-up on the passenger side?

[Paul H.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

It may have settled a bit on the frame, especially if there's any rust issues. Sometimes jacking it up a bit on that side gives it enough flex to get the door open. Certainly not a fix but may allow you to open the door. An adjustment of the door hinge may also help. Just went through this yesterday with a 62.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

I had to remove the door panel on my 71 to find out that the latch broke at the handle. That was not an easy task to get that panel off, but not too hard to swap handles and fix the problem.

[Ted K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

How does one get the panel off with the door closed?

[Ken K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

If you have volume 31, number 1, Summer 2004, of the Restorer you can read on Door lock problems on page 22 and 23.
It tells yu how to cut the lock shield and open the door.
If you want a email on this let me know and I can scan it and email it to you.
corvetteken@aol.com

[Edward J.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

How does one get the panel off with the door closed?

Ken, I don't know if the door panel is removible with the door shut. There may be one possiblity to open the door, roll the window down all the way and see if you can get a glimpse of the linkage looking down inside the door ,there is about a one inch opening sometimes a wedge helps between window and door, there is a plastic shield over the latch that may let you pry over a little to see the linkage to release the door. you will need a good flash light to see whats up with the linkage. This operation will take patience and some time to figue out what needs to happen to open the door.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

How does one get the panel off with the door closed?

Lots of patience, and no fear since the panel was a worn repro anyway.
However, the panel survived to see another day.

[Ted K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

I definately liked the key idea but the car doesn't have a key. I'm going to take off the other door panel and try to remove the lock mechanism and have a key made and/or at least see how the door functions. Believe it or not but I found the 2004 Summer issue and have another approach.
Thanks for all of the ideas.

[Edward J.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

Ted, how about the glove box lock cylinder? a lot easier to remove.

[Jim T.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

Ted reference the car does not have a key. So you bought a car without a ignition key? The ignition key for a 68 Corvette is also the key that unlocks and locks the doors. I looked at my 68's door lock system with the window down using a flashlight. I did not see any shield covering the lock. I could see the linkage going to the lock move when I pushed the doors opening button and also moving the door opening lever from the inside. You should be able to see movement in yours with the window down. I was in a dark garage using a flashlight to peer into the door.
I removed the outside door locks when I stripped/repainted my 68 several years ago. Trying to remember the details from the 1984 removal, the door lock cylinder retainer broke on the drivers door. I was able to order a new one from my local Chevy dealer. This is a special type retainer that was not used on my 1970's lock cylinders if I remember correctly. I do not know if this retainer part is still available for 1968's lock cylinders. I have a original owner 68 and I do not see a shield covering the inside door latch assembly when I viewed the latch from the window opening.
You might be able to use a screwdriver to activate the door latch through the window opening.

[Ken K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

NCRS 22 001.jpgNCRS23 001.jpgHere is an artical that I wrote that covers this problem. Just do this and it will be fixed.
Ken
If you need any more info email me at corvetteken@aol.com or call 352-243-4863

[Ken K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

The key deal will not work! Just read the artical above.

[Ted K.]

Re: Door won't open 68 coupe

Solution for 68 locked door. Jim was right, roll down window, take long screwdriver and flashlight and push down on lever in door with screwdriver and the door opens. That process took about 3-4 minutes all of the other stuff took several hours.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Ted