Door Handle Buttons Very Hard to Push In

Both LH & RH outside door handles on the '70 have gotten tighter, and harder to open over the past few years. Getting to the point where I almost have to use both thumbs to push the button in far enough to open the doors. I have never had the panels off this particular car. I am hoping all it neads is some cleaning and lubing of the mechanism. If anyone has seen this before, and can share what they found when they got it opened up, I would appreciate it. Replacement mechanisms range from moderate, to pricey. My biggest problem is I am working in Colorado, and will only have this weekend to visit home and get at the car. So if it sounds like parts are needed, I can order them and have them there. Also, if clean n' lube will fix it, what works best? Lubriplate, grease, or graphite?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice, and also if there is any "gotcha's" that I need to avoid, etc.

Appreciate it. -Jim.

Before you remove the door panel....... soak everything down with WD-40.Use the little red tube that comes with the spray can. You should be able to soak the mechanism , the push button and linkage just through the openings around the latch, and between the window glass and the rubber. Then work the button a bit, open and close the door a few times and spray some more.

I find this frees up my latches every time.

Thank You , MagicRat. I will give that a try. I have sprayed WD-40 around in the exposed area of the latch, and alongside the buttons, but I hadn't thought about trying to shoot some between the window and seal. Might be able to hit the right spot that way.

Following up: Yes, MagicRat's advice was excellent! I had tried spraying around the latches, and the buttons, etc. Helped a bit, but still difficult. I followed his advice and sprayed in between the glass and seal, using the red tube. Instant fix! Never even had to pull the door panels. Thanks again!