Rear door latch replacement on 93

[cruisn8ball]

Howdy. Hows the best way of removing and replacing the rear lock with the door closed? My future son-in-law could break a piece of granite with a toothpick. I would like to save the rear panel if at all possible. Would drilling lock from outside get me any where. Thanx.

[LMP]

Originally Posted by cruisn8ball

... My future son-in-law could break a piece of granite with a toothpick...

..ins't that a talent that could be exploited ?
..about your project: here are some drawings if it can help

http://www.avigex.ca/xport/reargate.jpg

http://www.avigex.ca/xport/reargate.jpg

if you can locate the approximative position of the side latches from the drawings, use a coat hanger to release them one at a time, possibly from the loudspeaker openings.......or if you can find an inner trim panel from the scrapyard, maybe destroy the original from the inside.....then you have full access...

[cruisn8ball]

Thanx for the info LMP. Poping the speaker cover was the ticket. For anyone needing to do this here's how I did it. Starting at the bottom of the speaker cover (does'nt matter which side), gently but firmly pry out on each corner. Pull down and out. Remove speaker and the latch rod is right there. Jerk it towards the center of van and it pops the door open. You'll need a rivot gun to reinstall the new locking mechanism. As soon as you see the set up, it's a easy repair. I bought a lock off of Ebay and it worked but not the best. Apparently there's a difference between eletric and non electric. Be sure to verify which.