R&R of Early Style Door Locks

Created: 6/26/2005

Last updated: Orignal

Author/source: Mike Clemens

This gives instructions for removing the almost-impossible-to-remove-without-breaking them original style (early cars) door locks.

All photos are thumbnails - click to enlarge.

Tools needed:   small mechanics mirror
                flashlight
                two small right angle picks (Pic 0)

Pic 0

1. After you have removed to door panel and before you do anything else, PUT DUCK TAPE ON ALL THE SHARP EDGES INSIDE THE DOOR!!! I can't stress how important this is---you "will" be donating blood if you don't, because you will have to have both hands inside the door at the same time. This area is very small and not much room to maneuver. (Pic 1) is what the lock looks like when mounted in the door and (Pic 2) shows what you are trying to achieve---all separated.
Pic 1

Pic 2

2. Disconnect the rod that is attached to the white plastic part on the back of the lock and move it to the side. Remove the white plastic piece by prying off and and take a close look at it's backside. (Pic 3) You will notice it has 5 'tabs' that hold it to the lock. Notice they beveled on both sides for for easy installation and removal. Now lay it to the side. (Don't lose it)
Pic 3

3. The lock is held in the door by three little similar 'tabs' on the black plastic security ring that look like small hooks. (Pic 4---two wide ones and a skinney one) They are beveled on the top side for easy insertion, but flat on the bottom so they 'lock' into the security ring. (Pic 5) They can be pryed up a little, but not too much or they will break.

Pic 4

Pic 5

4. Okay, duck tape in place, right?? Now take one of the right angle picks and get the pick under one of the plastic tabs (Pic 6---there are three total). The 'tabs' only need to be raised about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. (Pic 7) Once you have one of the 'tabs' levered up, take a second pick and lever it under another tab.

Pic 6

Pic 7

5. Once you have both picks in place, insert your key into the lock on the outside. Using the key as a lever, gently rock the lock fore and aft (do not twist the key). This will allow the 'tabs' to slip into the second indentation ring. (Pic 8) If this doesn't work, you will then need to get a third pick under the third tab.
Pic 8

6. Now you're halfway there, because the little 'tabs' are now seated in the second security ring. (Pic 1048) Repeat steps 4 & 5 to slip the 'tabs' out
of the second ring. Once you are past the second ring, to the third ring, (Pic 1053) the lock will come out of the door with a slight twisting motion and you will be able to remove the plastic security ring from the metal lock barrel.
Pic 9

7. If rocking the lock with your key does not work, then you will need to use a long screwdriver to push outward on the lock from the inside. Just remember, take it slow and make sure the picks are under the tabs'. The locks were designed to be installed with no tools, but to be theft proof, in case someone has decided they want to steal you car by removing the locks.

8. Installation is simple, in that all you need to do is reverse the steps and when you push on the metal barrel from outside, the 'tabs' will automatically snap into place. Snap on the white plastic piece and hook up the locking rod.

9. The first time I did this, it took me a couple days by trial and error, because I didn't know how the system was designed and I had to spend a lot of time looking in that little mirror. Now I can do the whole job in about an hour.

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