I am trying to get my drivers door unlocked, do not have keys, took ignition switch to locksmith to get key made as it should be a match for doors, but it defeated him, he couldn't make a key that worked. Passenger door is open so I thought I'd remove the psgr. door lock cylinder and try a different locksmith.

Shop Manual says "loosen the lock screw located in the access hole under the weatherstrip....and pull the cylinder out of the door." Found the hole, the "screw" resembles the male half of a snap button on your high school letterman jacket., that is, round but with what it appears to be a very small Allen Head screw in the center. Before I attack this I was hoping to confirm if it is indeed an Allen screw? It is very small I fear so small that breaking the Allen wrench is highly likely. It is receiving plenty of PB Blaster while I prepare my battle plan. Anyone have any experience in this procedure? Am I correct that this is an Allen screw? Any suggestions?
I'm eager to get the drivers door open to begin the cab clean up, seat, tank removal etc.
Thanks

 

Yep.....allen screw.


easy...

 

Yes it is an Allen set screw. You shouldn't need to take it all the way out to get the lock out.

 

Thanks guys, I hope these are not strongly torqued as it is such a small set screw if it is stuck trying to exert force with a thin carbon steel Allen wrench may cause use of unique vocabulary.

 

There will be many instances where unique vocabulary will seem appropriate when working on these old trucks.

 

It's a small set screw. They are not tightly torqued, but many times you'll find they are rusted seized. They sometimes come out harder than they should. Hope you're luckier than me. Patience may be a virtue here.

 

Just tried to liberate the set screw, Wayne, was correct, this little guy is very tight, the small 3/32nd Craftsman "L" allen wrench would not budge it, I fear the insert may be rounded off as it took some effort to find a correct fitting tool, I will purchase a "T" handle and see if I can generate more uniform torque on the stubborn screw. I hope I won't need to follow up with a "now that the wrench is broken in the screw head what do I do" thread. Now would be a good time to purchase stock in PB Blaster, I am using tons of it!

 

I have a set of sockets that are fitted with allen wrench tips. 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive. you can really reap on something with those. you might try some acetone/ tranny fluid,50/50 mix on the little booger. Maybe even a little heat. One of mine was tough too but it still came out. A few choice words won't make it come out any easier but they make me feel a bit better sometimes. I've never had an allen wrench break off yet. I don't think they are hardened enough to snap, usually twists on the end there. Good luck and be patient, that screw has been in there 60 years or so.

 

Thanks Toby, I've read in this forum about the acetone/ATF hooch, I think I will brew some up for this job as well as seek out an Allen socket, great suggestions. Perhaps I'll try that first and then return to high school physics, "sometimes ya need a little heat to generate some movement".