Help! Can't get door open...

[blue71mustang]

My '93 passenger side door is locked and I can't get it open. The key will turn to the lock side but not to the unlock side at all. Pulling the interior door handle is a no go too. I can't get the door panel off without destroying it and the power lock won't work either. I got a pair of needle nose on the manual push lock and pulled it straight out of the door.
Anybody have a suggestion that doesn't involve destroying the door panel to access the inside of the door? Thats about all I can see to do, but I don't want too.

 

[S&B]

why do you have to destroy the panel, thake the arm rest off and the screws and pop the panel out. then you will be able to access the lock

did you try some wd40 in the lock?

 

[blue71mustang]

I cant even get to the lock. Its the actual inside the door lock thats jammed. The extrior key lock moves just fine.

I cant get to the door panel edges to pop the plastic tabs. Sure I can just pull it but I'll rip all the plastic tabs out of the door panel, hence ruining it.

 

[S&B]

well you should be able to get the speaker grill off and pry from that angle, if you can get the panel off you should probably bring it to a shop b/c thats pretty basic

 

[blue71mustang]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I am mechanically inclined by the way. I'm currently restoring a 71 mustang convertible and a 51 chevy panel truck.

When i go to start popping the door panel off without the panel tool because I can't use the tool because the door is locked shut and i have no access for the tool, The little plastic tabs are going to rip out of the cardboard backing of the door panels. This was my entire point, I didnt want to damage the panel. If the door was open instead of shut, I wouldn't even be posting.

Ive already got the speaker panel out and armrest off. I already tried pulling it that way and ripped one of the plasctic panel anchors out. I was hoping to save the panel, but if there isn't any way to do that, I'll rip it out in 30 seconds, fix the lock and buy a new panel. I just didn't want to buy a new panel because mine is practically in perfect shape.

 

[fiveohlxhatch]

I've had the door on my old '67 Dodge do this to me. Instead of using the tool I very gingerly used my fingers to pop out the plastic tabs, only damaged 1 or 2 on the whole panel. Go slow and you should be OK, maybe remove the passenger seat for additional clearance.

 

[RsStanG1987]

Take the seat out and then have at it. My car used to do this. Take the skrews out and then pull real quick the panel shouldnt rip if its in good shape. I had no problems doing it and geting the panel back on well and im a hack.

 

[blue71mustang]

Well, I finally got the door open. It took about 2 hrs fiddiling with a wire but I finally got it. The power door lock motor was frozen solid. I haven't run the car in last 2 yrs and it just froze. Got it open, popped the door panel off and pulled it out. Door works perfect now.

Now I just need to find a reasonably cost replacement. Got quoted $70 at local parts store and $180 ea. at ford. Guess I'll search online next.

Thanks for the help....