Stiff locks

[V8Adam]

Hi everybody,
I have just purchased a 1981 Corvette. It has some various issues that I am prioritising.

One of the most pressing are the very stiff locks. It is virtually impossible to lock or unlock the passenger door from the outside. The driver door is a little better but not by much. I have sprayed some lithium grease around the latch and in the lock which helped a little but not much.

Is this a normal issue on these cars? Is there a particular fix or shall I take off the door cars and see what is going on in there?

Adam

 

[Oneball]

I think you’ll probably have to take the door card off. I don’t think you stand much chance of getting any penetrant near the locking lever from outside. It’s really easy to get to with the card off.

 

[V8Adam]

Thanks, that's good to hear! I will give it a go. Looking forward to getting to do some work on her.

 

[Chuffer]

Hi everybody,
I have just purchased a 1981 Corvette. It has some various issues that I am prioritising.

One of the most pressing are the very stiff locks. It is virtually impossible to lock or unlock the passenger door from the outside. The driver door is a little better but not by much. I have sprayed some lithium grease around the latch and in the lock which helped a little but not much.

Is this a normal issue on these cars? Is there a particular fix or shall I take off the door cars and see what is going on in there?

Adam

I had this problem with my 1980 C3 . It got to the point I was worried about snapping the key off . I ended up buying new lock cylinders and keys that were readily available in UK . I also replaced the recessed push down handles due to wear in the mechanisms and pitted chrome finish . I real fiidly job but well worth it .

 

[Corvette]

I'm surprised you were allowed that 'blatant advertising' username.

 

[V8Adam]

Yeah I have exactly the same thought Chuffer, those US keys are so thin!

Sorry Corvette, I didn't mean to break any rules. Happy to change it if any mods want me to.

 

[johng]

My locks couldn't be opened from outside when I got my car. I took both locks out of the doors, cleaned and lubricated them and the driver's door is not too stiff now, but the passenger side is still a bit stiff. Since I've got power door locks and they work really well, I'm thinking of fitting a keyless entry if I can figure out how to wire it!

 

[Chuffer]

I have disabled the power locks on my 1980 as the drivers door one had the motor drive break and couldn`t be arsed to spend money on a new unit and go through the faff of fitting it . I know that might offend some peoples idea of originality but so much else on the car is un-original it hardly matters .

 

[V8Adam]

My power locks do not seem to work at all but I've had no time to try stuff out. Really appreciate your input guys.

 

[Chuffer]

My power locks do not seem to work at all but I've had no time to try stuff out. Really appreciate your input guys.

Are they toatally dead ? ie no power to them , or make a noise but do not operate the locks . Need more detail to try and help . Join the club and you will be able access more info.

 

[V8Adam]

I'm not sure at this point, I will investigate. I have only had her 3 days, hectic with work and it's winter in the UK lol!

 

[Last triumph]

Welcome to '81 ownership - I imported mine in June and love it to bits.
My door handles were stiff, but a quick strip down and lubrication job has them like new again.
For things like stiff locks, if you can get them off and on the bench, I've found a small, cheap, ultrasonic cleaner with some strong degreaser works wonders to give you a blank canvas to re-lubricate.

 

[V8Adam]

Thanks! That is great advice. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and I agree, it's a brilliant device (although very noisy!). I was amazed on my Buick how many problems could be sorted out with some simple lubrication.

 

[artwork]

Hi everybody,
I have just purchased a 1981 Corvette. It has some various issues that I am prioritising.

One of the most pressing are the very stiff locks. It is virtually impossible to lock or unlock the passenger door from the outside. The driver door is a little better but not by much. I have sprayed some lithium grease around the latch and in the lock which helped a little but not much.

Is this a normal issue on these cars? Is there a particular fix or shall I take off the door cars and see what is going on in there?

Adam

Hi Adam. Can I ask where you purchased from. I’m in the market for my first C3 Corvette and need to research as much as possible.

 

[V8Adam]

I purchased from Stuart at Carrot Town Garage. What is your budget and what do you want (project, daily driver, show car).

 

[artwork]

Hi and thanks Adam. Adam. I'm aiming for between £15k and £20k - I can do usual maintenance (Brakes, Service, and some interior work would not put me off) - my off limit is around suspension/steering repairs, paint and obviously major engine itself. I want an automatic - love a T-top 73s or similar I have seen. I hear a lot about the L82 engines being very good but becoming harder to find.

 

[V8Adam]

Well I am certainly no expert, the guys on here will be able to give you great advice I am sure. But I would say that you should be able to get something really nice for that money. For me, I looked at how solid the car is because if the birdcage or chassis is rotten, as on any car, that costs a fortune to repair and is not worth it. Something with a history is also great as you know what has been done when. If you end up getting something past 1980, you can also do a Carfax to check the mileage and history.

I tried to get a buyers guide book but could not get hold of one. In the end I just watched a lot of YouTube videos on what to look out for which helped a bit.

I ended up spending around 3 to 4 hours inspecting mine and making notes of what I would need to repair/replace.