Need help! Got a stuck door on a 53 Cranbrook

[Deano]

Well ... I finally got some real time to work on the door (not just "tinkering time") and I managed to get it open.  The door latch mechanism is well and truly stuck.  The striker is also broken (I probably did that when I opened the door).

Now, does anyone know where I can get a replacement driver's side door lock mechanism for a 53 Plymouth/Dodge Hardtop or Convertible?  It's different from the sedan.

Thanks!

Deano

[David Pollock]

I recall one extreme incident on a 55 where we actually severed the internals of the latch with a long slender chisel.  Chances are, your latch decided to lock itself so possibly copious quantities of well directed WD40 and a lot of manipulation of handles and keys may actually get it open.  I do recall one instance on a Horizon, I think, or maybe on a VW Jetta where the latch was merely locked.  ( I never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer)  but on a 53, the inside handle over rides the key lock.

[FourDoor]

Get a piece of plain flat body sheet steel, 20 ga. or thicker, about 16" long or longer up to about 24". Cut a strip about 2" wide. At one end cut a 'J' hook into it with your die grinder and tin snips. Buff the edges to take off any burrs or sharp edges. Wrapping some tape around the top end makes it easier to handle. While slowly pumping the outside door handle, slide the device down the outside edge of the glass between the rubber and glass,with the window in the 'up' position, over towards and above the outside key entrance and move it up and down in circular motions. If you're lucky the 'J' will catch the lock and your next upward pull will unlock the door. A little imagination helps as to where to put the 'J' hook to best catch the lock mechanism. Good luck. Let us know how you made out.?

[Bill Davis]

Deano,

I do not have any "jimmying tricks".  (Someone at your local police department might)!!
I think if this happened to me and I ran out of ideas, I would take out the front seat
assembly.  Then, you could take off the window moulding and door panel and have a
good look-see at your problem.  More than likely, something has broken inside the
lock assembly inside the door.  But, you will need to get into the door to be able to
"trip something" to get the door to open so you can remove the lock assy.

Another idea, before you start the above:  roll down both door windows, shine a
bright light inside the door, and compare the look of each door lock assy to see
if you can see any difference between the "good one" and the "stuck one"

Oh, almost forgot.  Welcome to the forum.  There is quite a lot of great information
here (present post excluded, of course).

[Deano]

Hi!

New guy here; my first post and it's a plea for help!  Long story short.  Last night at a local cruise my driver side door latch decided it was time to quit letting me in the car.  Now, I can't pull this thing out without getting the door open.  Anybody got any tricks for jimmying this thing open?  I'm just about ready to whip out the ol' die grinder and have a field day! :o

Thanks

Deano