Rusted door locks

[Cliff26]

I let my '72 pickup sit in the rain for the last few months, and the door locks seem to have rusted. I can't unlock them to get inside! I've tried to spray WD-40 into the locks, but the plastic tube on the spray can is too big to get into the keyholes. Although I expect some got inside, I still can't unlock the doors. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Rust may not be your problem as a lot of trucks are left outside and the locks still work. Try pushing in on the door as you attempt to turn the key. Push hard on the door!

Jim

[Cliff26]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try.

If it doesn't work I'll try an idea I had this morning. If I could get one of the doors open I could unlock them from the inside by pulling up on the lock stems. I won't have to risk breaking the key in the lock. So does anyone know how to break into a '72 Chev PU? Hmmm. I guess that could be considered sensitive information, so if you know how, it might be best to PM me.

Thanks

[davepl]

Just FYI, this might be a special recovery case, but as LockDoc can probably attest, stick with graphite powder for normal use. Water dispersant or not, liquid lubricants will generally cause locks to accumulate dirt and grime and eventually fail.

Not related, but you know you're from Cold Country if you remember ethanol lock deicer fobs for keychains...

If you still want to get WD-40 in there, prop the little key slot door open with a small screwdriver or toothpick and then try shooting it in.

But again, I've never had a GM lock rust up, and that includes trunk locks facing almost upwards into the rain.

[Cliff26]

I'm pretty sure it's an OEM lock. Maybe it's the linkage between the lock mechanism and the push/pull stems. I did replace the rusted doors about ten years ago, but I kept the original locks.

I did locate a video on YouTube about unlocking a door with a coat hanger. I might give that a try.

[alsriv2]

I'm going to ask a silly question, but it has to be asked...

Are you absolutely positive you are using the correct key? This is not to be funny, but is asked in all seriousness. I would hate to see inadvertent damage caused by something as simple as a wrong key being used.

[Cliff26]

It would be embarrassing to make a mistake like that, but I'm sure it's the right key. My wife drives a Toyota, and the keys are very different.

I've never had this problem before, and I'm a little surprised that it seems to be so uncommon.

[briank]

Very easy to slim jim these trucks. Just make a slim jim out of metal banding and cut a notch,electrical tape the handle and away you go. Not really divulging any secret info, criminals already know this or if they dont then they would just bust a window. Do this on the passenger side so if you mess up your lock ,its not the primary one. Just dont force anything and you shouldn't have a problem. Use a flashlight to help you see down inside while working on it.

[davepl]

I had this happen with a convertible once and the AAA guy didn't get there until -after- it'd started raining, and of course I'd left the top down that one time, just my luck.

You -sure- there are no other GM keys kicking around your house that you might have gotten confused with? One lock I could imagine. Both? There's got to be a simpler explanation. I presume all years used the same key for doors and ignition? No locking glovebox key that might be keyed differently?

Did you try the JimK suggestion? Any difference?

[LockDoc]

-
I agree with the others, if neither cylinder will turn you are using the wrong key, or not getting the key inserted all the way. The locks are not going to rust/corrode bad enough in that length of time that neither one will work. Try wiggling the key up & down when you insert it.

LockDoc

[Cliff26]

You guys have me doubting my own judgement. I'll have my wife try tomorrow just to make sure I'm not screwing up. I do that sometimes. This pickup has been my daily drive for almost 30 years - at least it was until last fall. I've locked and unlocked the driver's door thousands of times. I'll try again tomorrow. And thanks for all the suggestions. I appreciate it.

[enduroride]

Originally Posted by Cliff26

I let my '72 pickup sit in the rain for the last few months, and the door locks seem to have rusted. I can't unlock them to get inside! I've tried to spray WD-40 into the locks, but the plastic tube on the spray can is too big to get into the keyholes. Although I expect some got inside, I still can't unlock the doors. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Back window will pop right out if you really need to get inside :-)
Dont ask how I know this !