'57 Doors won't open
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From: BC, Canada
'57 Doors won't open
I just picked up a fairly nasty '57 F100. It's been sitting for 10+ years in some field (you know the story). Anyway I can't get in it? Have to do the Duke's of Hazzard thing and climb through the window. The inside handle works, I can see & feel the parts moving, but nothing opens.
1) Is there something I can try, other the the magical fairy dust thing someone keeps posting.
2) Can you remove the window in a closed door?
3) Is the part that releases it, the gear thing that I can see that isn't turning? Pardon the technical terms.
4) Does anyone want to buy a '57 F100 that you can't get into?
Thanks for any and all information
Dave
1) Is there something I can try, other the the magical fairy dust thing someone keeps posting.
2) Can you remove the window in a closed door?
3) Is the part that releases it, the gear thing that I can see that isn't turning? Pardon the technical terms.
4) Does anyone want to buy a '57 F100 that you can't get into?
Thanks for any and all information
Dave
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
There's a picture in my gallery of the lock mechanism out of the door showing where I drilled holes for my electric lock conversion and new inside handle and lock that should help you to figure out what you are feeling in there. Does the handle button on the outside push in? If not the door is likely locked or the lock mechanism is frozen. If it pushes in and the handle inside seems to be pulling on something rather just feeling disconnected then the star wheel is probably frozen. Spray the he** out of the mechanism inside the door and the star wheel with Liquid Wrench (still the best product for loosening rusted parts) and let it sit for a day. Next day have a helper push the outside button in and hold it while you lay on your back on the seat and give the door a good strong kick on the edge next to the lock mechanism. If that doesn't release the door you either have frozen hinges or a busted latch mechanism (not from the kick but prior).
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
In the picture, the star wheel is to the left. the face you are looking at faces the outside of the door when the mechanism is in place. The tab sticking up above the mechanism is what the outside hande pushes to open the door. There is a post where the red arrow points that the rod from the inside handle connects to. The inverted T shaped piece is the locking lever. The lever the red arrow is pointing to is the latch operating lever, when the lower portion of that lever rocks back and forth when the inside handle is operated it pushes down on a second lever which is peeking out towards the left side. that lever when pushed down (see the slot below it?) releases the star wheel which in turn free wheels allowing the door to open.
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From: BC, Canada
Thanks for all the info. I went out and had a closer look after seeing your pictures. Everything appears to be working good, inside and outside handles are doing their thing. The lever that releases the star wheel moves up with both handles. However still won't open, I sprayed the heck out of it and I'll try kicking the door tomorrow (tried tonight but nothin'). Both passenger and drivers are the same, so I'm hoping just stuck from sitting so long.
Nice panel truck by the way
Dave
Nice panel truck by the way
Dave
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Vancouver Island
I had the same problem. The solution was to put a good light inside the door panel, then somehow fit my head and arms in there as well. Then use a small hammer and chisel to turn that star-shaped wheel thing.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: BC, Canada
Wow, are you 24" tall?
I'm going to kicking it later, if that doesn't do it then that's what I'll have to do (or try to anyway). Wonder if I could convince my 3 year old to try?
Thanks for the reply
Dave
I'm going to kicking it later, if that doesn't do it then that's what I'll have to do (or try to anyway). Wonder if I could convince my 3 year old to try?
Thanks for the reply
Dave
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From: waco
Originally Posted by angus
I had the same problem. The solution was to put a good light inside the door panel, then somehow fit my head and arms in there as well. Then use a small hammer and chisel to turn that star-shaped wheel thing.
Doc
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From: BC, Canada
well I can't say much now, it was his advice that worked. I managed to get a light, my head and 1 1/2 arms in the opening and kept hitting it with a screwdriver and hammer. Finally got the door open about 6 inches (it hits the fender now). Now I'm having a serial number issue but that's a whole other thread.
Thanks to everyone (but especially angus), next I have to tackle the passenger door.
Thanks to everyone (but especially angus), next I have to tackle the passenger door.
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From: waco
Hey slick....about that door hitting the fender. I had the same problem on my 55. An old man told me that after sitting for years and years the hinges sag. He took a short 2x4 block that was maybe 10 or 12 inches long and opened my door. He put the block between the door jam and the door, and opened and shut the door several times on the block. I honestly thought he was going to tear the door off of the hinges, but when he got done and pulled the block out, my door opens and shuts all the way with out touching the fender. It works realy well. Just oil the hinges realy well, and try the block.
Doc.
Doc.
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From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by angus
Did I forget to mention that I removed the driver's seat first (this was a panel truck)?