Rear door panel removal in an 81' Malibu

Status
Not open for further replies.

81MalibuMan

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 25, 2019
18
3
3
The other day something broke inside my rear driver side door so I'm unable to unlock the door and keep it shut. So far I got all 3 screws that are visible on the inside of the door. Not sure where to go from here to take a look behind the panel.
20191222_090620.jpg
20191222_090620.jpg 20191222_090609.jpg 20191222_090616.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 20191222_090606.jpg
    20191222_090606.jpg
    843.2 KB · Views: 285
Last edited:

Doug Chahoy

Comic Book Super Hero
Nov 21, 2016
2,564
2,661
113
Take your lock knob off, if you don’t have an interior pry bar, you can use a wonder bar. Place it between the interior panel and the door. Find where your plastic clips are and gently pry outward. Once all the clips are popped gently but firmly in push in at the top of the interior panel with one hand while pushing up from the bottom with the other hand. I figure you’ve already slid the arm rest off. Work the panel off of the inside door handle. If you still have a paper vapor barrier thats in good shape, remove it gently as not to tear it. If you do tear it you can tape it. More than likely you’ll find either a rod worked itself free or the clip broke/rusted. At worst your latch may have never been lubed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
Flip that tab down you will be able to close the door

just use a screwdriver or your finger

Common for them to stick in the winter

lube it up with some silicone spray for now

 
  • Like
Reactions: 6 users

81MalibuMan

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Nov 25, 2019
18
3
3
Flip that tab down you will be able to close the door

just use a screwdriver or your finger

Common for them to stick in the winter

lube it up with some silicone spray for now

That was the fix! Had to hold the interior handle and then I was able to lower the latch. The door works perfectly fine now
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
I'll send you the bill !
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

ssn696

Living in the Past
Supporting Member
Jul 19, 2009
5,543
6,662
113
Permanent Temporary
Suggest you clean and relube the 40 year-old latch mechanisms. The old grease at low temps is probably what hung up the latch.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 user
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor