Thread: How do I get this door open???????

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The actuator rod fell of the latch mechanism on my new hot rod. Is there anyway to get the door open?

Can you get the door panel off? Even part of it. See if there is some opening behind it...

If it's a standard bear claw latch used by most of the shops it looks like this with the panel off.

latch.jpg

The rounded piece of flat stock with the hole that you see is pulled up to unlatch the door, and there's a second piece running vertical that's hidden ("L" shaped, pivots at the corner). I'd think that you should be able to reach in through the "U" opening on the panel with a thin screw driver and lever it up without too much hassle.

brazing rod , make a hook go fishing . you may have to pop the panel off. looks like it is either velcro or push pins.

Thank you!!! That helped a ton. I was able to open it by using a coat hanger.

Getting panel off: the friction pins holding the panel on are very difficult to remove, even with the panel removal tool. I have both nylon and steel. The nylon bends before the pin releases. The shroud around the head is too weak so the pins just separate from the door panel, leaving the pin in the door. Then I used side cutters to remove the pins. I will need new pins. The next question: how does the rod attach to the lever? They both have a hole. Was there a rivet holding them together? What should I use to attache the rod to the lever? You folks have been great!

Originally Posted by 32 Hemi Deuce

The next question: how does the rod attach to the lever? They both have a hole. Was there a rivet holding them together? What should I use to attache the rod to the lever? You folks have been great!

I would look inside the door for the attaching device that came out, using a telescoping magnet, or a telescoping mirror & a light source to try to see what was in there before. If the holes in the two pieces align in both the door latched and unlatched position, rather than a rivet I would probably lean towards a short bolt, a pair of flat washers and a nylock nut, leaving it loose enough to pivot easily. Just one approach, without seeing the parts you're dealing with, and assuming alignment of the holes.

go to tractor supply they have every kind of pin and lock made in the small bins.

I have zero good luck with this rod! I fixed the driver door and took it to a show yesterday in Calhoun. Now the passenger door won't open! Thank god I fixed the driver door or else I would be stuck in the car. No way would I fit through the window opening. At least now I know how to fix it.

Originally Posted by 32 Hemi Deuce

I fixed the driver door and Now the passenger door won't open! At least now I know how to fix it.

We've all been there brother!! LOL

At least the problems are minor and easy to fix.


Jack.