Date:         Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:54:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Sticky front door locks
Comments: To: Don Spence <dkspence@TELUS.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <2ACB74DA-E74B-11D9-8385-003065A72624@telus.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

The Bentley has information on how to gain access. Essentially it was
something like, open door. Remove screw holding door handle in place
(may be hidden behind the weatherstripping). Then the handle should be
able to be pushed forward slightly and pulled out. In my case, I used
some brake cleaner to clean out the key mechanism and get all the old
lubricants out that were gumming up the works.

I think there may be another screw (more obvious one) that needs to be
removed to get access to the rest of the lock mechanism.

To remove the door panel trim. Remove the 2 screws holding the vent
(rear bottom) in place. Remove trim on window crank (just pry it up at
the crank). Remove screw holding handle. Remove handle.

For the door opener. Pry out the plastic trim in the finger recess.
Then remove the screw holding the rest of the trim in place.

Then you should be able to pry off the trim (just pull it) begin at the
lower rear and work your way around.

If you have power doors/windows/mirrors. you'll need to disconnect the
wires after pulling the trim, otherwise it will hang on the wires.

But for most of the lock mechanism, you won't need to pull the trim.


On Jun 27, 2005, at 4:36 PM, Don Spence wrote:

> I've been having difficulty with stiff and stuck door locks on my 83.5
> westy. The drivers door is very stiff and stays up when the door is
> opened such that it must be pushed down 1/8" or so before the latch
> will catch. The passenger side won't unlock with the key but the button
> can be lifted easily from the inside.
> Any hints on where and what to fix and how to gain access. (Door panel
> removal advice?)
>
> TIA
> Don