I did a search and found that it is possible to get at the inside of the rer doors by removing the inside door trim. However with both doors stuck climbing over the front seat multiple times and trying to work in a confinded place at this age is not fun.

How about taking a panel cutter and cutting a hole in the front side of the rear doors above the latch area?? Can you get tools in from there or is there something inside blocking this.??

I could make a a cover panel either out of aluminum or steel.

 

take a sawzall and cut off the part the latch locks,stiker plate, to,you can get ones of a caravan at pick a part

 

Good question for Redlinear.

He may have one laying around he could check for you...

 

actually with mine I just pull the handle off and pull down on the linkage rods for the top latch and up for the bottom latch just to get the door open. With mine its usually just a loose nut on the back of the handle, but if the linkage rods need to be adjusted I believe you can do it right there without pulling the inside panel off.

 

Thanks for the replys

I think I'll try removing the door handles first. Possibly I can get the doors at least open.

I have a little rust on the lower door panels so it is tempting to just cut this out and get at the latches. Once replaced they should last the rest of the life of the truck.