Removal of door locking mechanism

Are there any secrets in removing the door locking mechanism from a 76 super? I've undone the 4 screws holding it in - including the door handle, but it just won't seem to come inside the door cavity to be removed. I've also loosened off the window glass channel from the bottom, but not completely removed it. Do I need to remove this for the locking mechanism to drop out?

The reason I need to do this is that the inside door opener rod has come away from the mechanism, and there's no way that I can reconnect it without having to remove the whole locking mechanism - I just can't see to where the rod should slot in, and the circlip that holds the rod also needs to be fitted.

So.....is there a secret here that I don't know about?

are cabrio locks the same as sedans?
sedan doors have an opening where the rod connects to the mechanism
there are 3 screws from memory holding it in but also the window channel is in the way and has to be removed i dont know if this applies to cabs though
the rod just has a small 90degree bend on the end that fits in a lttle tab with a clip to hold it there

good luck
Joel

Do youe mean latch?

If it's like a sedan - I'm sure it would be - the exterior handle must be removed first; thsi will then allow the latch to be pushed back into the door shell and be removed

Thanks Joel. There isn't any opening as such for me to gain access. I've removed the rod and can see the 90' bend, but because it's out of my line of site, and can't get my fingers up to pop the rod in, and can certainly not see to put the clip on. I'll have another go in the morning and try and get the window channel out.

VWCOOL wrote:Do youe mean latch?

If it's like a sedan - I'm sure it would be - the exterior handle must be removed first; thsi will then allow the latch to be pushed back into the door shell and be removed

Hi Glenn....mate she won't push back into the door shell. Something seems to be stopping it.

Oh... They do need a good shove, if I remember correctly. BUT I've only ever done a late model door disassembly a coupla times. Is the glass slider channel/felt in the way?