HELP on door issue

[gprimm]

I am getting my son's 1978 Malibu Classic wagon ready to drive to him out at the Air Force Academy this Thursday and Friday. While doing some final things, I was changing the passenger side rear window felt (the last of all 4 doors) when I noticed a problem with the inside door handle indicating the latch would not work.

I looked in the door from the top and noted that the outside handle was no longer connected to the latch (the clip came off). When I got up to get a tool, I by habit closed the door; now I cannot get the door open. It is not completely closed, just on the "First" close.

How do it get the door open so I can complete the job? When I closed the door it was the same feeling as I had when I closed a door knowing the keys were in the car and the keys were locked in. Brain fade moment !!

George Primm
Bolingbrook, IL.

 

[outsider_27]

The only thing I can think of is to try and take the inside door panel off. Being a wagon, not sure if the seat will be able to be pulled out, but if so, that would make more room to do it.

 

[mkiiisupra]

If you have the interior door panel off of that particular door and have access to the inside of the car via another door, then all you need to do is to reach into the door in question and find the rod that is attached to the latch mechanism and pull up on it. Note: you will have to make sure this rod is pointing upwards as if it was attached to the door handle in order for it to work. It may be beneficial to hold that rod with a pair of vise grips to facilitate better grip on the rod while pulling. Shouldnt be too hard to get the panel off on a wagon with the door closed, but then again, Ive never tried.

 

[gprimm]

Everything is off the door, I had the glass back in place and was putting the door back together when I noticed that the inside door handle was not "Right"; was sticking out a bit. I think the latch "claws" are somewhat messed-up, to tell you the truth and that why it is stuck and won't work. Got my hand in there but cannot pull it up, that's why I think it is "Crossed". I have a friend, and 30+ year mechanic coming over tomorrow and he says we can get it. I want to drive it to Colorado Springs with it working just right and perfect for him.

Keep the ideas coming though cuz there is no reason to reinvent the method if someone has already done it.