KS55Super88

Hello, Everyone! I have taken on a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Four-Door as my next preservation project. One of the hurdles is the rear drivers door. Both the exterior and interior door handles are not functional, but I need to get the door open to clean the carpets, remove the seats, etc. Am I able to get the door panel off while the door is closed or are there any other ways to get the door open? Any advice would be great!

Thanks
Teagan (KS55Super88)

442Harv

I think you need to get the inner panel off. Can you try to open it up with the tool they use to open up cars with no keys? Then the the handles and panels off.

2blu442

Here's some pictures from a 1955 Olds 98 4 door. I think it would be similar on your 88. Since I've got the window frame and door panel off I wanted to share what the door release linkage looks like. Let me know if these photos raise any questions or if you want to see any other views.

2blu442

Then here's a 1954 Olds 88 door with the door panel off. But this one doesn't have the window frame removed, which covers part of the lock linkage.

2blu442

I just went out to see if you could put a slimjim or even a coat hanger down by the wing window to access the latch assembly. To see if you could just remove the metal frame without removing the door panel. Nope. There's metal covering the slot between the inner door and the support under the wing window. Here's some pictures of what I'm describing.

KS55Super88

Thank you all for the images and guidance. I'll give her a shot this evening and will let you know how it goes!

Tedd Thompson

Is this car a runner? If so, you might try a local auto window glass installer, They must have been there and done that sometime in the past.... Just a thought....Tedd

KS55Super88

Car is a runner, but were working on the driving part. Got the door opened. Lock was froze up.

KS55Super88

Howdy! Sorry it took ages to respond. One I got the door opened, I couldn't help but begin tearing out the interior to get it ready for reupholstery. I had to take off the upper window trim, then I was able to see the door lock mechanism one I pulled the door panel away enough. The lock mechanism was froze up, so a couple hits with a large punch and hammer later, the lock opened up and I was able to get the door opened. Thanks for the help!!
-Teagan