Spitfire 1500, drivers door will not open!!!!

[karlos]

Can anybody offer advice on how to open a door when the locking mechanism appears seized whilst closed. I've attempted to remove the door card but found it extremely difficult with the door being shut.
The Haynes manual suggested "open the door fully to remove the lock..........I wish. I've now also removed the door exterior handle to at least gain access to the lock mechanism, I've also disconnected all the linkage bars in order to open the door at the mechaism, but to no avail.
The lock appears to have seized internally and will not open. The actual locking bar on the mechanism appears jammed therefore I feel something has collasped inside  preventing the release of the door.
I've tried unbolting at the door hinges but the door stay-bar holds it firmly in place.
This is really turning out to be  a nightmare can anybody please offer a solution?

[Richard B]

Try a drill (or one of those remote chucks for a drill), or Dremel thingies to cut through the door stay-bar?

Good Luck

[karlos]

Thanks Richard, I appreciate your help.
I've nothing to lose so it looks like I'll have to give it ago.
Not quite sure though whether realesing this end will get the door open.
I'm sure the rotating latch which holds the door closed will prevent it from opening.
I'll let you know.
Cheers

[CharlieB]

Maybe a local thief with a slim jim could help you!
(Or lock smith or AA man)
Come to think of it, try it yourself, make a thin strip with a hook on the end to slide down between the glass & try to hook the rod on the back of the lock.

Edit: Remembered its a lever on the back of the lock that is pushed towards the inside of the car to open. Still might be possible.

[nick69]

I managed to do this once. I sprayed it PLUS GAS for a day then put a 1/2 inch socket extension bar in my dewalt, set it to hammer. Put the end of the bar on the lock if your lucky enough to be able to then  start drilling!!