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I can't get the back doors open, even after spraying two cans of Kroil on the mechanisms inside the doors. It's as if they are welded shut, and I really don't know the next move I should make. Has this happened to anyone else? If so what did you do to break them loose? The car has possibly been sitting for 40 years

I doubt it was welded or you should be able to see signs of it. Possibly the frame has sagged which is causing a bind. Probably things are just stuck. Which part did you spray? On your video the inside panels appear to still be in place so any spray will be a little hard to get to the mechanism. Also did you push from the back seat using that handle trying to open. Here is a quick rundown of the lock mechanism.

An outside handle is shown in the first picture. All the inside mechanicals are similar to the second picture-- (another model front door passenger side shown) and work in a similar fashion.

To release, the outside button has to push in and that little round steel collar on the bar has to press against A on the latch and move it far enough to lift the lever B and pawl C so the latch can rotate. Same with inside handle except it pulls at G which pushes down at D to lift the same pawl. If the door lock button is broken or not up all the way, that mechanism between E & F can prevent either from working. Usually the outside button problem is the collar has either slipped so A can't be pushed in far enough or the button isn't moving in far enough because of dirt and corrosion.

Without the inner panel off, it will be very hard to lube the actual latch and see what is happening or not happening. One thing you might try if all else has failed is have a helper push the button or inside handle to release and at the same time you use a wide lip but thin pry bar under the door crack at the bottom to lift and pry out at the same time. Just try not to bend things too badly.

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You're in a hot state, possibly the door gaskets are stuck to the body. Unlikely that both latches are broken. Put some duct tape on the rocker panel and door at the back of the door, then use a wide screw driver.

If you can have someone hold the interior door handle in the released position, you could lie on the back seat and use both feet (without shoes on) to push against the door.
Nance kicked his way out of a 55 that was on the assembly line. I thought that problem had been resolved.

Yeah the door panels have been taken off and the lock pawls are off of the rotator. And even laying in the back seat and kicking with both legs isn't budging the door (including a helper). I still will give the pry bar idea a go, but if that doesn't work i'm at a loss.

Sometimes the teeth on the rear door strikers get so worn from vibration that they jam horribly with the teeth on the lock. Best is to push down on the back edge of the door as hard as you can while trying to pull the door open.

GR52

I do not have any additional suggestions on opening the back doors.

I just wanted to make sure you were aware of The Heart of Texas region of the Packard Club in San Antonio. MAYBE one of their members could help you.

GO to the websitepackardclub.org/
and look at the regions tab.

In addition to HOT, there is Lone Star in Houston, Ark-La Tex in east Texas, Packards North Texas in the FW/Dallas area.

Place a jack under the FRAME about centre of the car on the same side that the door is on. Jack up the car and see if that will free the door. Mite have to try simialar strategy from opposite side if that doesn;t work.

I assume at this point u have the interioe trim panel removed. If bolts for the door hinges are accessible then loosen the bolts. If u have to pry on the door with a pry bar then FIRST try prying the door UP from the bottom.

Blow around the edge of the door with some compressed air to remove any loose dirt, and then spray a little penetrator around the perimeter. This may help soften the door gasket and also soften up and packed in dirt. My rear passenger door was stuck on the '54 Clipper (basically same as yours). and I had to kick it open form the inside. Went it finally opened, about 15lbs of dirt fell out that was packed in the door gap like mortar.

Also a running a putty knife around the door perimeter may be useful in helping to unstick a door gasket, and break up any packed in dirt.
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