Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#489961 02/27/24 12:37 AM
Joined: Feb 2024
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Feb 2024
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I have a 1980 Malibu and my driver side door is stuck shut. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Wilwood Engineering1955-1957

Willwood Engineering

Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188


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Hall Monitor
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Hall Monitor
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Welcome! I'll move this to a technical forum for you.


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1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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I am more familiar with Monte Carlos (87), Firebirds (86 and up) and Camaros of this era but this is what I would check since the doors are similar on the inside.

Try the simplest thing first if you have not already, unlock it using the key and the pull at the top. It is possible one of those two is not working and making you think that it is unlocked when it is not. If that does not work unscrew the knob on the interior lock and put the shaft up a bit just incase the linkage is a little out of alignment. This is probably not it but takes five minutes to check.

Next does the exterior handle have any resistance to it when you open it? The linkage may have detached from it. Same with the interior handle. If the linkage has detached attempting to hook the linkage with a bar but that may not be possible.

You may have to find some way to pull back part of the door card, not an easy task on these cars with a closed door. They hook up over the top in the window channel and there is a pair of hooks mid way up on some of them. You may want to Google for an interior diagram of the door. Be real carful of the plastics in the door card.

Hope this helps.


I have found that having an old car is a constant project that is never done. I think that is a good thing. Keeps me learning new things. Having two from different eras is just a form of higher education.
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2023
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You might also employ one of those door unlocking tools that slides down between the glass and the rubber. Maybe something just fell apart in there. I believe most parts stores carry them.

You could take the door panel off the other side of the car for reference. Play with the tool on THAT side till you have a good feel... so to speak.


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