Locked out 1978 911 SC Targa

[Jackson63]

Just received my first Porsche. Had it delivered last night. The delivery person gave me the key for it, but it will not unlock either door. The previous owner who never drove the car thought the key would work. It does not. So my question is, how do I break into my new purchase? The lock button on top of the door panel is flush in the down position. Do these cars have power door locks?
My Targa top will need replacement so I could cut into that as a last resort.
The car is a 1978 with 159000 miles. A project, needs paint, interior and fuel system work. I am excited to get started on my winter project.
Thanks

[darrin]

Originally Posted by Jackson63

Just received my first Porsche. Had it delivered last night. The delivery person gave me the key for it, but it will not unlock either door. The previous owner who never drove the car thought the key would work. It does not. So my question is, how do I break into my new purchase? The lock button on top of the door panel is flush in the down position. Do these cars have power door locks?
My Targa top will need replacement so I could cut into that as a last resort.
The car is a 1978 with 159000 miles. A project, needs paint, interior and fuel system work. I am excited to get started on my winter project.
Thanks

Why not advise the PO of this and ask him to spring for a locksmith to cut you the appropriate key --

[speedster911]

a slim jim will easily pop the lock on your car ( slim metal bar that is slid between door glass and into door). Will catch the lock bar and pop the door lock knob up.

If you are a member of AAA the tow truck Co they send should have a slim jim. Or tow truck company driver will do it on his offshift for $20

[speedster911]

Originally Posted by darrin

Why not advise the PO of this and ask him to spring for a locksmith to cut you the appropriate key --

I would also contact seller unless he told you ignition key doesn't work on doors.

[mfiazzo]

Slim Jim best option. Will open it right up. Amazon has them

[darrin]

One other thought -- you might want to try a little harder with the door locks, if the PO didn't ever drive the car, the tumblers could be frozen/stuck -- although generally not indicated, perhaps a bit of wd40 (for its penatrant oil effect followed by a series of key insertions (to move the lock mechanism around ) might well clear things up. Also, does the key look original, or is it an obvious copy? If a copy, could be slightly out of alignment - try pulling it out a bit (or vice versa) while trying to twist?

[76FJ55]

No power locks, at least not on my 84. I think power locks started in 85. How did they lock the doors? I always thought the door had to be closed and locked with the key? Am I mistaken about this? I don't know, I've never locked mine.

[Bill Douglas]

DO NOT touch the targa top. Just joking, but you don't want to mess with an expensive bit vinyl.

Tow truck drivers are into our cars in 30 seconds. Maybe call one of them to help out. AAA is quite good too.

[LIRS6]

Originally Posted by 76FJ55

No power locks, at least not on my 84. I think power locks started in 85. How did they lock the doors? I always thought the door had to be closed and locked with the key? Am I mistaken about this? I don't know, I've never locked mine.

Driver side needs key, passenger side does not ... so, you could lock the driver side door from the inside and exit the passenger side, having set the lock on the passenger door. Slam it shut - both doors are locked.

[Bob Kontak]

(Depending on your community) Just call the police and ask if they provide this service.

I am assuming they can figure it out if they carry the tools. Otherwise towing service or locksmith.

If your car is inside, crack the window five inches until you get it sorted.

[Jackson63]

Got the passenger door open. Lock was very hard to move with the key. Still cannot get drivers door open. Its stuck on the second click. I would say its the safety catch. I removed the door panel and pushed the rod to the door lock with no help. I have the window down now, I can not see the lock assembly.

[JSV798]

The lock may be jammed. I had this happen when a circlip (snap-ring) fell off the mechanism. It then jams in the locked position. If that is the case then you need to be careful of using force as you will break the "leg" on the lock mechanism that the key activates. If you have the door card off you should be able to remove the door handle and then the door may open and you can remove the lock. Post a photo of it and I can tell you if the same thing has happened to your lock.

[Joe Bob]

The forum is having a spaz attack....can't start a new thread.....so I'm hijacking an oldie/.

The lock will work with the key, not the dial or manual.

Will a spritz down the hole work or do I need to remove the door card and look for "Nemo"?