Nissan Repair: 1982 Datsun 280z, interior door panel, datsun 280z

Question
The driver side door locking mechanism will not work, so the door won't open from the inside or out, with the lock engaged or not.  How does one take off the interior door panel with the door closed to inspect the mechanism.  The window is electric but the door lock is manual.  I've looked all over the Internet for an answer or a manual and can't find one.  Can you help?

Answer
Hi Kelly -

You can get a slim jim, and unlock the door directly from the latch mechanism. However this will only work if the linkage between the door handle and the latch is engaged. Roll the window down, get a flashlight and look into the door and see if you can determine if this is so. There should be 3 links going to the latch.

How did it get this way? Was it slim jimmed already?

Let me know -
aloha
calvin