I have got a customer bringing in a 71 chevelle that he recently purchased.The problem with it is that he locked the car doors and now the drivers door will not unlock.He tried to unlock it with a pair of pliers pulling up on the rod from the inside and has told me he pulled the rod until it broke .This only way that I really know of is to roll down the window and try to get something down to the clip that holds the key lock in and take the key lock out,I have seen these jam before and cause this.I don't think I will be able to get the door panel off with the door closed.Does anybody else have any other sugestions or know of any thing else that I might try.

Slim Jim? That will get you right to the back side of the lock. Might soak it down with penetrating oil first.
Mike

Exactly what Spark60 said. Any local Popalock will have these available.

I'm having the same problem with my '69, but not quite as bad as yours.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

When you push the outside button does it feel like it is contacting the lever that activates the latch release? If not, a stuck release lever may be the problem. Caused by corrosion. Lever does not return all the way and leaves latch in an intermediate position, stuck, it doesn't know if it is supposed to be locked or not.
Two common problems with this latch type.
#1 Lever on latch rusts and does not return properly when handle button is released. Latch jams up!
Cure -- roll window down. Pull upper trim back at rear, with a flashlight you can see the upper release lever. It is the part at top of latch, the pin on the back of the outside release handle button lines up with it. Soak lever rivet with penetrating oil. Using a long screw driver through top of door pry lever out. As long as he didn't trash other latch parts you should be able to hook and pull lock rod lever up. The lock rod is the part you described as being destroyed. It is located in the center of the latch near where the inside release rod hooks up. Latch is now in the unlock position. Open from inside release handle.
#2 Broken return spring in latch. Part is not serviced. Have not found a good way to solve opening problem, other than destroying latch from inside of door. Lets hope it is problem #1
Karl

I am betting on #1 above.

I think we're talking about the lock not the button or latch.
Mike

I think we're talking about the lock not the button or latch.
Mike

What he means is if the button is pushed in the door won't unlock.

I thought he meant the lock knob. Not the push button. If it won't unlock, you can't open the door from the inside either. I'd try getting lube down in the latch. work the sucker, shake the door, and pray it lets loose, then replace the latch and inspect for other damage.

You could unbolt the seat from the floor and shift it to the other side to get to the door panel.:)

Thanks everybody,the car should be here either tonight or first thing in the morning(monday).I looked at the latch assembly in the 70 chevelle we are working on,and if you lock the door and then push in on the outside handle just a little bit you can not unlock it with the key or by the rod on the inside,think I will start with the penetrating oil and see if I might be able to free it up.I will post what I find.

Call me on my Cel # if i can be of any help!
612-384-5477 Karl

SOMETIMES you have to pound on the outside door handle with your hand to get the push button to release enough.

Well we got the car in awhile ago,took the key,put in the lock and wiggled it a little as I was turn it and it unlocked.Think it just need to be oiled and used some,but now I've got to fix what he broke(the lock rod).Thanks again everybody.

Get new door lock set. The old ones are worn out and the tumblers are dropping.:)

well got the problem fixed,spring was gone on the latch that makes it return after you press the outside handle.installed new spring and new plastic clip on inside lock rod .works like new.