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308 GT4 door locks

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ramblero, Nov 18, 2022.

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  1. ramblero

    ramblero Rookie

    Apr 24, 2007
    22
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    John Baker
    #1 ramblero, Nov 18, 2022
    My recently acquired 1979 308 GT4's door locks cannot be opened from the outside when locked. Anyone have a solution? I've heard somewhere that the Fiat X/19's door lock mechanism (the entire door handle and keyed cylinder lock) are virtually the same. Is that also true of the mechanical linkage to the push down internal door lock? I can drive with the driver-side door locked and leave the passenger door unlocked and rely on the knowledge that to attempt to steal the car means someone would have to climb over the gear shift console to get into the driver's seat, particularly undoable for any one over 50 and 180 lbs, ignoring the fact that it's a manual trans car which most car thieves cannot operate.
     
  2. absostone

    absostone F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2008
    9,982
    #2 absostone, Nov 18, 2022
    Remove door panel and lube all mechanisms, check the plastic clips that hold all the rods and if necessary rebend rods slightly. And lube the lock cylinder through key hole
     
    2dinos likes this.
  3. ramblero

    ramblero Rookie

    Apr 24, 2007
    22
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    John Baker
    #3 ramblero, Nov 20, 2022

    Thanks; we're working on the key lock to door lock button mechanics. And convincing a reluctant Lotus Elite that starting up is in it's best interests after being left out in freezing weather overnight.
     
    absostone likes this.
  4. Mike Florio

    Mike Florio Formula Junior

    Jun 19, 2003
    599
    NW Rural Nevada
    Full Name:
    Mike Florio
    #4 Mike Florio, Nov 23, 2022
    I can agree with the above comments. On my GT4 the plastic clip holding the rod from the inside handle to the locking mechanism broke. So I carefully drilled a small hole in the small bent stub of the rod, inserted it in the lock lever and put in a Cotter pin through the small hole. Works fine now. While troubleshooting the mechanism I found a used Fiat X1/9 door lock mechanism on the Bay for a couple of bucks and bought it. It is an exact duplicate as the door locks on my 1975 GT4.
     
    f355spider likes this.
  5. absostone

    absostone F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2008
    9,982
    #5 absostone, Nov 23, 2022
    GTcarparts has the plastic bits for the rods
     
  6. ramblero

    ramblero Rookie

    Apr 24, 2007
    22
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    John Baker
    #6 ramblero, Nov 29, 2022
    Our resident electroplumbcon technician has disassembled both GT4 doors and has fabricated metal equivalents for the dreaded plastic parts resolving the door lock issue forever...or until the next problem surfaces...and also repaired the dreaded slow window raising issues. And also solved the rear light problems on my Lotus Elite.
     
  7. absostone

    absostone F1 Veteran
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    Jul 28, 2008
    9,982
    #7 absostone, Nov 29, 2022
    Pics or it didnt happen
     
    f355spider likes this.
  8. dyerhaus

    dyerhaus Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2012
    881
    Santa Rosa, California
    Full Name:
    Christopher Dyer
    #8 dyerhaus, Mar 18, 2023
    Reviving this as I'm struggling with similar problems…

    For my '75 model, I did have some broken clips, but I replaced all the broken ones, and did need to straighten out some rods. One of the biggest problems was I couldn't open my driver's door from the inside. I'm fairly certain that issue has been resolved with the clip replacement, rod straightening, and lube.

    However, the other big problem I'm having is the locking/unlocking the door.

    From the inside, pushing the post down doesn't seem to lock it, but all my linkage seems fine…

    From the outside, I can lock it just fine with the key… but then I can't unlock it. I have to make sure my door panel is off and fiddle with the linkage inside to get it to unlock.​

    I think one of biggest problems is I have no idea what it's actually supposed to look like inside. I've never seen the linkage setup inside the door of a perfectly functional 308 GT4. In fact, I've only seen mine that isn't working!

    In particular, it would be great to see some video or photos of how the handle/lock mechanism should be connected to the linkage inside. I should have any parts necessary, so in theory it's just a matter of figuring out how this should be set up.
     
  9. Nino1964

    Nino1964 Formula Junior
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    Aug 14, 2015
    302
    North Georgia
    #9 Nino1964, Apr 6, 2023
    Door assembly could have been reassemble improperly post repaint so I would check that lock striker is positioned correctly.
     
    dyerhaus likes this.
  10. TCBoiler

    TCBoiler Rookie

    Dec 7, 2010
    38
    SF Bay Area
    #10 TCBoiler, Apr 6, 2023
    Dyerhaus,
    Come by my house and we'll pull all the doors apart. Just know that I haven't locked my Dino in more than 5 years because it can be harmful to a marriage if she can't get in or out wearing a short dress and high heels...
    TCBoiler
     
    dyerhaus likes this.
  11. dyerhaus

    dyerhaus Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2012
    881
    Santa Rosa, California
    Full Name:
    Christopher Dyer
    #11 dyerhaus, Apr 6, 2023
    I will take you up on that!

    Also, yeah, I don't really lock mine either, but I fear I may accidentally lock it… then I'm screwed! :confused:
     

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