Door locks on 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible will not unlock

[pinkchampagne]

My husband and I just purchased a 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. He locked both doors, and now we cannot open them with either the ignition key or trunk key (both apparently duplicates of the originals). The seller claims he has no knowledge on correcting the situation. I have researched online to no avail, plus called the GM Cadillac archives but have not received a reply. We assumed that the ignition key would operate the locks (locks are restoration replacements). So, my question is: does anyone in the Club know if a separate key was made solely to unlock the doors? Any advice perhaps on how to open them? WD-40 didn't work We would greatly appreciate any input...thank you so much! 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Ignition key (hex head) is the door key on 1961 models. Round headed key is for glove box and trunk.

Replacement door lock cylinders should have been supplied with new keys- which would not operate the ignition switch obviously.

If none of the keys in your possession operate the door locks, you may need to have the door lock cylinders replaced again - unless you can find a locksmith who can make keys from the locks that are now in the car.

[76eldo]

Coat hanger through the rear of the door glass?

That's a Philly Spare Key.

Pop out the door lock cylinders and have them keyed to the ignition key.

Brian

[35-709]

I'm betting someone replaced the ignition switch at some point so now the key won't work the door locks.  Indeed, the best solution is to take out the door locks and have a locksmith key them to the ignition key.

[savemy67]

Hello pinkchampagne,

I could not determine from your post if the key fits the door locks, and turns the lock cylinder, but will not open the lock.  If this is the case, then the problem is most likely with the lock mechanism due to age and or cold weather.  As 76eldo suggested, try a coat hanger, or a Slim Jim (a thin metal strip with notches that can be inserted between the glass and weatherstripping to engage the lock mechanism).

I had a similar problem.  One of the springs in the lock mechanism of my driver side door failed to do its job due to hardened grease and cold temperature.  I could not open the door with the key, nor could I open the door from inside the car.  Fortunately I had three other doors.  It seems unusual that both doors on your car would have this problem, but the car is 54 years old so anything is possible.

Christopher Winter

[Scot Minesinger]

Could also be a bad key copy.  For some reason the original key opens my doors and starts the car on my 1970 Cadillac.  The copies only start the car.  I need to go to a good locksmith for a nice copy, as the HD copy stinks.  The copy of my house key barely works too.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Plus, as an aside, never use WD40, or any other liquid lubricant in a lock.

Eventually dust will be attracted to the stuff, and clog it up.

Always use powdered Graphite.

Bruce.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Try pulling the key out a 16th or so and try turning it then.  Maybe the key is just off a bit.
Jeff