Both exterior door locks on my 72 are frozen tight. I loaded them with graphite -- no luck. Can't even get the key in all the way.

Interior door unlocking mechanism is VERY stiff. Door handles are very stiff as well, and are not parallel with the ground. They are handing down quite a bit.

Any tips on how to fix this?

Had real fun getting into it. Thank god it's a convertible with a top that needs replacing. Was able to slide my hand in and pop the top releases...

Have you heard of PB blaster? Its available thru home building centers and works excellent on freeing up rusted/stuck items. I would read very carefully on how it may affect paint- I'm not sure. I used it on a truck lock on a car needing restored and had excellent results. Hope that helps.

Have had good luck using Liquid Wrench also (get the spray can, not the squeeze bottle). Use the little red "soda straw" to get it inside the lock and flush the snot out of it (remember, you gotta wash out all that graphite now too! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif )

One other thing, I ask only because it's both locks and you just got the car, are you sure the key fits the locks?
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Rod

67 396
SS clone
Daddy's Red Car (http://www.geocities.com/rthlc/index)

"If everything seems to be headed your way, ..you should probably consider getting back on your side of the road"

[This message has been edited by rthlc (edited 01-04-2003).]

I can't guarantee that the key is right for the doors, but it does work in the trunk. Will try Liquid Wrench and/or PB Blaster, thanks.

try the ignition in the doors.

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Leo Paugh
Maryland Chevelle Club #017
A.C.E.S.#3731
progress has little to do with speed, but lots to do with direction.
Maryland Chevelle Club (http://www.chevelles.net/mcc/mcc.htm)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by chev64:
try the ignition in the doors.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tried that -- no dice...

yeah, arnt theinition and doos suposed to be the same? the trunk is always different. i dont think the trunk key will work in the doors.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FO_FDYFO:
yeah, arnt theinition and doos suposed to be the same? the trunk is always different. i dont think the trunk key will work in the doors.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Exactly. The square key fits the ignition and the door locks. The oval key fits the glovebox AND the trunk.



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MalibuJerry350
TC Member #1279
Original owner '70 Chevelle.
595,000 miles on car.
Hey, if it's got wheels, DRIVE IT!
My Chevelle: http://hometown.aol.com/erie614/myhomepage/index.html