Triumph Repair: drivers door, rear quarter panel, door latch

Question
QUESTION: the outer door latch disc is stuck in the closed position on our TR-7 and the door won't open.  do i need to remove the door panel or the rear quarter panel to free the door and replace the latching mechinism?

ANSWER: Hi Dave,

The rear quarter panel does not come off and that wouldn't help even if it did.

I would first try to hold the outside door handle in the open position while someone held the inside handle in the open position and then try to bump the door hard from the inside to see if it is just stuck. Be sure the lock it pulled up first.

If that don't work you need to remove the inside door panel and take a light and mirror to look to see if you can see what is wrong. It is rare to see the latch itself fail. Most of the time it is the lock is not releasing the latch and / or the inside handle is disconnected.

Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response.  I lifted the latch lever from inside the drivers door all the way up and it still won't release the door. the latch disc can fully secure the door but won't pass the secondary safety position, thus leaving the door loose but not open.  I have a couple of ideas like cutting the striker latch or taking the door off its hinges to remove the striker latch.  I'm open to any helpful ideas. Dave

Answer
If it has released to the second position you should try to pull the outside and inside release handles at the same time and pry the door upward at the rear with a pry bar and then bump it outward and if that don't release it and you can see the loop of the striker, maybe you can just saw it off. I have never tried to saw one so I don't know if it is hardened steel or not, you will know quickly when you try to cut it.

Howard