Opening a stuck door on a 59

I have a 59 Electra coupe that I'm parting. Both doors are stuck shut. The car has been sitting in the Forrest since 1974. I can't get any movement on the handles or latches, The sheet metal is all bad and I was thinking of cutting access holes in either the door or 1/4 with a cutting wheel to gain access to the latch. Anybody have any easier suggestions as how to get the doors open?

 

Guessing there is no access to the inside of the car?

 

try drilling a 1/2 inch hole above the handle. spray liberally with acetone/atf mixture for several days. maybe some heat. if the doors are that far gone cut the handle and lock out. the actuator is a tab on the latch to push on (handle button). probably gummed up solid. wear gloves

 

If the door is worthy of resale/solid, I’d smash the flat glass out to get inside first.

 

Can you open one of the wing windows, reach your arm in and roll the window down? Or break the glass in the wing window to gain access?


Keith

 

Pulled a Ford PU out of the weeds both doors rusted shut.. cut key lock out area out 6x6. to pick on the lock... that didn't work the the hinges were rusted shut. Ended up punching a hole in the center of the bottom of door. Feed a chain though you know the rest.

 

Somebody long before me broke out both the wings trying roll down widows. Breaking out the door glass won't get the doors open. It's non power window. I did manage to get the pass door window half way down. I will try the WD40 everywhere and then if that doesn't work I will cut the door section where the latch is and try to sawzall the latch bolt.The doors are junk
The inside and trunk are FILLED with relics and garbage. I've managed to remove some stuff . Apparently the owner in 1974 was a atomic scientist. Just tossed out his books and notes.
There are some old comic books,tools torches,sewing machine etc. One of the things I learned long is not to open trunks,glove boxes on junk cars when previous owner is close by. One time while picking up a 61 Lincoln at a scrapyard after I had the car loaded up ,I opened the trunk as the yard owner walked up and there was 2 caddy batwing air cleaners. The yard grabbed them.Another time while picking up a 69 super bee when popped the trunk there was a 6pack intake and carbs and a 4speed.

 

WOW, a '59 w A/C

 

What if they are locked?

 

Stick an 8-ft 2x4 through the wing and pound the door open from inside while someone pushes the handle knob on the outside.
That's would be my hillbilly 2 cents
Of course, that would only work if they WERE unlocked.

 

If the roof is any good and can be used for another car cut it off and save it if not cut it off anyways and voila you're inside the car