1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Johnny Crab · 05-31-2012, 11:19 PM

HELP!!!!

The driver's door to our 1985 got "slammed" with the window halfway down. The window "exploded" and now the door will not open. I did manage to get the door panel off but still cannot get the latch to function.

I really don't want to hurt the door or truck but HOW can I get this latch to operate?

My mechanic for big jobs says he's never seen one do this before but thinks it may be a small piece of glass somewhere in the latch area keeping it from opening and suggested blowing the latch area with high pressure air to see if any debris would be removed.

Thanks for any advice.

rwhit57 · 05-31-2012, 11:42 PM

It's possible that the latch is just jammed from whomever the nut was that slammed it like that. Try this without pulling the handle or anything get inside and hit/kick what ever the door as hard as possible, if it moves or pops a bit, then it might work with the handle. It could be beyond the latch.

84_chevy · 06-01-2012, 03:09 AM

wow, what did you say to her to get her that angry.... these trucks are usually really tough

motornut · 06-01-2012, 06:36 AM

check the lock part
if half-unlocked it can act like that
make sure no rods moved or clips
electric locks do this when seized

**old Rusty C10** · 06-01-2012, 08:57 AM

im totally agreement with the air trick just wear safety glasses when you do it..

RandyP · 06-01-2012, 09:02 AM

If it's actually glass it will come out with just shaking on the door (ok, using your hand as a hammer on the inside is probably better) while moving the door handle and lock. Usually requires the use of a foot as a hammer while pulling the inside door handle and wiggling the lock rod. If it is glass in it, it will either dislodge or get disintegrated while doing all of this.
We see this a lot here in the body shop after accidents. Of course it helps having a second set of hands on the outside pushing and pulling while pushing in the door button.

TDS-MN · 06-01-2012, 11:44 AM

I had a similar issue with my door jamming shut in the past.

http://trucks125ton.tpub.com/TM-9-23...89-34P_401.htm

If you look at that diagram, you will see how the rods from the lock and handle attach to part 3, the lock/latch mechanism. If you can see that part inside your door, you may be able to identify the little bracket that rocks up and down to lock and unlock the door, at the back edge of the door.

I was able to give this little bracket a shot with a hammer and screwdriver, and get it to pop over and allow the latch to operate. You will need to have the interior door panel off, of course, which it soulds like you were able to do. That can be a challenge if the door is stuck in the closed position, LOL!

If your key in the door, lock rod, or interior & exterior door handles don't seem to work, this could very well be where you need to go to pop the door latch open. I never did find a 'reason' that mine stopped working, other than maybe a lack of lubrication.

Good Luck!!!!

butch86 · 06-01-2012, 12:19 PM

sounds like there is glass in the latch mecanisim (sp)

Weasel Diesel · 06-01-2012, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butch86

sounds like there is glass in the latch mecanisim (sp)

Have to go +1 on that one.

05-31-2012, 11:19 PM	#1
Johnny Crab Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Point Comfort, Texas Posts: 2	1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open HELP!!!! The driver's door to our 1985 got "slammed" with the window halfway down. The window "exploded" and now the door will not open. I did manage to get the door panel off but still cannot get the latch to function. I really don't want to hurt the door or truck but HOW can I get this latch to operate? My mechanic for big jobs says he's never seen one do this before but thinks it may be a small piece of glass somewhere in the latch area keeping it from opening and suggested blowing the latch area with high pressure air to see if any debris would be removed. Thanks for any advice.

05-31-2012, 11:42 PM	#2
rwhit57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulsa,Okla Posts: 590	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open It's possible that the latch is just jammed from whomever the nut was that slammed it like that. Try this without pulling the handle or anything get inside and hit/kick what ever the door as hard as possible, if it moves or pops a bit, then it might work with the handle. It could be beyond the latch. __________________ "Whoever said money can't buy happiness has obviously never seen a speed shop!

06-01-2012, 03:09 AM	#3
84_chevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 111	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open wow, what did you say to her to get her that angry.... these trucks are usually really tough

06-01-2012, 06:36 AM	#4
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open check the lock part if half-unlocked it can act like that make sure no rods moved or clips electric locks do this when seized __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

06-01-2012, 08:57 AM	#5
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open im totally agreement with the air trick just wear safety glasses when you do it.. __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

06-01-2012, 09:02 AM	#6
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open If it's actually glass it will come out with just shaking on the door (ok, using your hand as a hammer on the inside is probably better) while moving the door handle and lock. Usually requires the use of a foot as a hammer while pulling the inside door handle and wiggling the lock rod. If it is glass in it, it will either dislodge or get disintegrated while doing all of this. We see this a lot here in the body shop after accidents. Of course it helps having a second set of hands on the outside pushing and pulling while pushing in the door button. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

06-01-2012, 11:44 AM	#7
TDS-MN Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mpls, MN USA Posts: 151	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open I had a similar issue with my door jamming shut in the past. http://trucks125ton.tpub.com/TM-9-23...89-34P_401.htm If you look at that diagram, you will see how the rods from the lock and handle attach to part 3, the lock/latch mechanism. If you can see that part inside your door, you may be able to identify the little bracket that rocks up and down to lock and unlock the door, at the back edge of the door. I was able to give this little bracket a shot with a hammer and screwdriver, and get it to pop over and allow the latch to operate. You will need to have the interior door panel off, of course, which it soulds like you were able to do. That can be a challenge if the door is stuck in the closed position, LOL! If your key in the door, lock rod, or interior & exterior door handles don't seem to work, this could very well be where you need to go to pop the door latch open. I never did find a 'reason' that mine stopped working, other than maybe a lack of lubrication. Good Luck!!!! __________________ TomS. '98 S-10 Blazer 4dr 4wd - 4.3, AT, stock & '85 K-10 w/ 305, 700r4, np208, and RUST! SOLD Dec 2014

06-01-2012, 12:19 PM	#8
butch86 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: harrisville, ms Posts: 377	Re: 1985 Pickup, Window exploded, now door won't open sounds like there is glass in the latch mecanisim (sp) __________________ most people sleep peacfully at night because, rough men stand ready to do violenceon there behalf.



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