68 Doors

[Mike W.]

Just acquired a 68 convertible. Both doors are stuck closed. Has anyone had this problem or know how to get them open?

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 Doors

You might have to remove the door panels to manually open them.

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 Doors

Removing the door panels will be quite a feat with the doors stuck closed, but don't let my skepticism stop you from trying.

I remember a story in The Corvette Restorer about how to open and repair stuck doors on the early C3s, but I am not sure that it applied to 1968. And of course I don't recall the details of the article except that one had to manipulate the door latch levers from the window slot with the window rolled down. One had to look down into the inside of the door through the window slot with a flashlight. I believe the door latch actuating rods come loose from the latching mechanism, and that is the cause of your problem. The story had photographs that made the operation easier to understand than my words.

[Mike W.]

Re: 68 Doors

Thanks guys. We were able to get the driver's side open late this afternoon. Just kept playing with the door lock mechanism. Hopefully the good fortune will continue tomorrow with the passenger side.

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 Doors

This problem was posted by another 68 owner earlier. The method he used was as mentioned by Terry McMannon. With the window down the latch can be manually moved with a long screwdriver through the widow slot.

Ted Koehner's posting about his and your problem started on 2/29/2012 if you want to obtain the archives about 68 doors not opening.

[Mike W.]

Re: 68 Doors

Thanks Jim ... we were able to get the passenger door open this morning. Again, just kept messing with the interior door lock. I'm really excited about this car. 427/390, four speed, ac, ps, pb, hardtop only, one owner, POP, window sticker, Lemans Blue, blue interior, 32,000 miles. Hasn't been driven since the late 70's. Also bought from the same guy, a 57 2 door hardtop and a '55 2 door hardtop (both Bel Air). May try to get the Vette Bowtied.