Thread: 73 Mustang

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I just bought a 73 Mustang and need to find out why I cant open the door from the outside. I figure its something on the inside of the door thats not moving but just looking for someone to point me in the right direction.

Have you pulled the door panel and checked the small rod that attach to the outside door handle. Over the years the hole these attach to have a tendency to break. Replacement handles are still available from Ford, or from the aftermarket.

Bill S.

You've got to pull the inside upholstered panel off and take a peek inside to see what is not happening when you push the button. There is generally a pivot in there that is part of the latch mechanism, part of it gets activated by the button and part is activated by the interior handle. Something has probably rusted or broken away.

When you have the panel off, watch to see what the interior one is doing that the outside button is not doing.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

You've got to pull the inside upholstered panel off and take a peek inside to see what is not happening when you push the button. There is generally a pivot in there that is part of the latch mechanism, part of it gets activated by the button and part is activated by the interior handle. Something has probably rusted or broken away.

When you have the panel off, watch to see what the interior one is doing that the outside button is not doing.

Don

'71 doesn't have a button. It was the first year with the pull handle flush mount handles. Still need to look at the inside linkages to see what isn't working. . . . .

I could see what looks like a latch that does not move when I lift up the handle, however I'm not sure if the answer is to replace the entire handle or what.

Originally Posted by dhawthorne15

I could see what looks like a latch that does not move when I lift up the handle, however I'm not sure if the answer is to replace the entire handle or what.

Yup, if the actuating rod is still attached and you cannot open the door from outside of the car, then the door handle (actually a replacement for a 87/88 Towncar) needs to be replaced.


Bill S.

The handle needs to be replaced,,they weren't too good but they are fairly cheap...They may still sell them in the "help" line at advance auto parts, they used to because it was such a common failure item and it fits a lot of fords..

So just replacing the handle (the one piece from the outside) will fix the problem?

Sounds good. Since we are on the topic, my trunk lock wont stay secured. Its like its missing a retainer or something behind it cause it will basically come right out. Can you buy the retainer seperate?

The trunklock retainer is available Look up National Parts Depot or just search vintage mustang parts lots of suppliers available but i shop prices here .