The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop door stuck

I have a 1963 chevy SWB stepside, with the driver's door stuck shut. It's definitely something to do with the lock mechanism,(duh). :confused: I can get to the inside of the door but I don't know what to remove or destroy in order to open it up. Any help, creative or functional is appreciated.

If you can get the inside panel off - pull on the metal bar that runs back to the lock. If you pull off the panel, there should be a stub sticking out of where the inside handle connects to. The stub and the device bolted to the door (called a relay, if you care) hook to this metal bar. If you are lucky, the relay is the problem and pulling on the bar will open it. IF you aren't the lock itself is jammed. Unfortunately the screws holding the lock on are only accessible when the door is open. I suggest you douse the lock several times with WD-40 or your favorite penetrating oil, then pull hard on that relay bar. There is a chance that the lock mechanism is jammed on the receiver portion on the door jamb - in this case the best thing to do is to hit the door with your shoulder from the inside - it should eventually open up.

If you need to barrow a manual,give me a buzz.You must be close.I can here somebody yelling at their truck.

I made a Slim-Jim out of one of those metal strips that they use on those out-door benches to support the cushions. I just slid it down between the rubber seal and the glass, and pushed it down until it met resistance, and then rocked it back and fourth for awhile, until I hit the mark. The door popped right open. But, it might be better to take the metal panel out of the inside of the door. Jimmying your own truck might give a passing cop the wrong impression!