Does anyone know how the locking mechanism on the drivers side door of a 72 240 works? I’m having problems with it, the key wont work and neither will the push down pin.

Brian

Brian,

The door lock mechanism is a pretty simple design. Somewhat difficult to reach inside the door, but what I would call "theaver's friendly" simple. Most often, the plastic / nylon bushings, washers, spacers wear out and the system of bars and levers jambs up. There is no telling why yours won't work. Remember that the locks don't work when the door is latched open. Set the door striker latch cam on close when you are working on the mechanism. The part number for the lock mechanism is 80502 and 80503-E4100. The door handle rod has a screw adjustment bushing on it - 80698-E4120. HO510-21001 is a bushing / spacer as is 80515-N3000. Send me a PM with a fax number and I'll fax you an exploded diagram from the parts catalog.

Now here is something interesting I found while searching the parts archives. Not pictured, but listed as Assy-Lock and Remote Control Door 80500-E4100 applied date up to 6 / 72. Remote Control? Wassatt?

Bav,

I had the same problem and forced the handle. I ended up breaking the handle pivot and that required a "she'll be right" fix it job using a custom made plate. I will order a new handle soon.

Anyway, pretty easy to refurb your lock assembly if you have time. You'll need to pull the trim off the door, carfelly remove all the bolts and whatnot that holds the assembly in there. Take it all apart and run it through a parts washer if you have one.

I puleld every linkage and wirewheeled them back to baremetal before the repainting process. Then put it all back together with a load of "water-proof" grease. It not clicks and clunks like new.

The whole thing must have taken me some 6 hours. But I was being very picky.

Beware though, this single act was the start of my cars resto.....so keep to the task if you can.

Good luck

Just fixed this problem on my 240z last night, it was the nylon spacer from the handle linkage as 26th mentioned. Threaded it upwards as it was stopping the lever it goes through returning fully up ( which stopped the locking lever clicking in)

hope that helps.