SLIM JIM on the rear doors???

I have a 1979 300D and I posted earlier about how I can't get my rear doors open b/c the lock nobs screwed off and auto locks don't work due to vaccuum leaks. Well, the only other way to get the door open is basically with a slim jim, and I wanted to know where exactly the latch for the door lock is in the door for the rear doors. Are they located on the lock nob side or the door handle side of the door? Anyone that knows, please help b/c I'd like to get the doors open sometime soon so Ic an fix the lock nobs. Thanks

[AndyRM]

I have always used a slim jim in the area of the lock knobs. There is an arm which travels up and down in relation to how the knob operates. Therefore, you want to use your slim jim in an up and down motion. Roll your window down and shine a flashlight in the crack and you should see where you need to be. When the threaded rod is moving your getting close. Another thing to try is using the slim jim in the window channel to hold the threaded rod steady while screwing a new knob on. Hope this helps.

Andy

thanks man, I'll try that tomorrow, the thing is that I can't see the lock rod in the holes b/c I guess they fell over or something to where you can't see them through that hole.

[speedy300Dturbo]

Have you tried removing the chrome trim piece around the lock knob? You might be able to see the locking rod after removing it...

[WannaWagon]

Good thread. I was about to ask the same thing because I can't get one of my rear doors open (pass. side). My central locking is busted, too, and also the electric window on the same door!

Also, this door appears to be intermittently stuck shut. Sometimes it will open, sometimes not. Is this possible, and what would cause this?

Okay, I have the slim jim now and I was fiddling around w/ the long skinny tool from the kit trying to find the latch for one of the rear doors but had no success. I didn't feel anything below the lock nob hole witht he slim jim, you do it on the outside of the window right? Is the latch over by the door handle or something for the rear doors instead? I'd appreciate any help, thanks!

[AndyRM]

To be honest I can't ever remember opening a back door with one. Try this though. Glue a small magnet onto the end of your slim jim which you can then use to pick up your fallen lock knob rod. Then you should be able to hold it centered over the hole where you should be able to screw your post on. As far as the slim jim where it goes it will be the outside of the window.

Andy

[H-townbenzoboy]

I had the same problem. I took it to the indy, and he showed me how to do it. My central locking system is busted too, but this is what he did. I put the back window down. He then had me disconnect the vacuum pump in the trunk, and connect it again. It started whirring. He then used this instrument like a screwdriver with a small 90 degree bend at the end to get the threaded part of the lock up so the knob could be screwed back in. Well, he got the lock up, and quickly put the lock knob back in the hole, and screwed it in clockwise. And to be sure that I won't have to do it again, I make sure that all of my door lock knobs are tightly secured by turning them clockwise every now and then.
-Joe

Nice, but could you see the lock rod before you started trying to bring it up b/c I don't think I can see either one looking down the hole? Also, what good did disconnecting the vaccuum have to do with pulling the nob up?

[H-townbenzoboy]

Nice, but could you see the lock rod before you started trying to bring it up b/c I don't think I can see either one looking down the hole? Also, what good did disconnecting the vaccuum have to do with pulling the nob up?

No, I could not see the lock rods. Disconnecting the vacuum pump and then reconnecting it activated the pump for a few seconds, providing a little movement of the lock rod, making it easier to get up.
-Joe

how do u disc the vaccuum in the trunk? I need help on that, and I was going to use a hanger w/ a 90 flat end on it to lift up the rod, how exactly did the rod get lifted up, just lean it up some? Thanks, the more detail the better.

[H-townbenzoboy]

Originally posted by GANIMAL
how do u disc the vaccuum in the trunk? I need help on that, and I was going to use a hanger w/ a 90 flat end on it to lift up the rod, how exactly did the rod get lifted up, just lean it up some? Thanks, the more detail the better.

This is for a W126, but lift the carpet to access the spare tire. Lift the cover off of the spare tire, and in the lower right hand corner, there should be a pump, with a connection to it. You may have to lift it out to disconnect it, and then reconnect it. The pump SHOULD start making noise (whirring) Now, before the pump stops working, take your instrument, and try to get the rod up. I'm not sure, but the instrument my indy used may have been magnetized. But if you can get it up far enough, screw the knob in clockwise until it can't go any more. That should do it.
-Joe

Does the car need to be running when doing this? Thanks

One more thing, when trying to get the rod up, did you have your tool holding it up while screwing the lock nob on? Or did you just move it to sit up some to where you can take the tool out of the hole and screw on the nob?

[H-townbenzoboy]

I don't really remember if the car was running or not, try it without it running. If it does not work, then try it while its running. So, you should have the tool holding up the rod so that the knob can be screwed on.
-Joe