Locked out of '79 SC!!!!

[GIBSON]

I searched for a thread on this but couldn't find one, please point me that way if one exists.
I just helped a good friend buy a 1979 SC, high miles, probably needs a transmission rebuild (or hopefully just linkage help). 4K.
Anyway, we had if flat-bed towed to his house. The keys were locked in the car. Great. Ordered a new set from Porsche rather than have a locksmith open it up. They have not arrived, it's a holiday, not going to call a locksmith today.
Any ideas on how we might get in? I've heard of the tennis ball routine (cut a small hole in the tennis ball, place it against the keyhole and slam the tennis ball- supposed to open the car...)
Any other sane ideas? Do slim-jims work on 911s?

[TerryH]

Is the price of replacing the wing window glass on the door more than the price of a locksmith? Ball-peen master key?

On some cars the top rear of the door can be pried open and held with a plastic wedge. Then a long metal hook is used to pull the door handle or hit the unlock switch, but on our cars that doesn't work because the handle doesn't unlock the car and most don't have auto unlock switches. However, if you can retrieve the keys out of ignition with the hook then you are in.

Disclaimer: Anytime you are bending/prying the door glass frame there is always the chance of the glass shattering, so if you try this method use caution and safety glasses.

[RickM]

Might be easiest to push the rear quarter in. After removing the metal trim try to work the rubber lip back into the car. I've never done this but it's worth a try.

I'm pretty good with a slim jim but never could open a 911.

Be careful and good luck.

Edit: From Pull to Push

[K9Torro]

The rear quarter window is the only " possible " no cost option, if you are careful you can remove it with out damage to the glass or seal, then you just have to put the trim back on while it is out and rope it back in.

I would only recommend doing this if the seal is VERY pliable, otherwise plan on buying a new seal, but still cheaper than breaking out any windows or paying someone to open the car IMHO.

Todd

PS... Kinda strange though , I have a 79 and it will not lock the drivers door except by using the key from the outside, if you lock it when it is open using the knob it just unlocks itself when you try and close the door, , ,

[bkcbuilder]

Todd, I was going to say the same thing. In the owners manual(the second most unread book in the universe) it even states that the intended purpose of having to lock the drivers door from the outside was to save us from ourselves. Brian

[GIBSON]

I was surprised as well when he said the door was locked with the keys on the seat, I thought it took the keys to lock it....
The car has an old Clifford alarm- could this be affecting things? Back then did they use a solenoid in the door to automatically lock
or disable the lock? Sometimes those older alarms systems can really mess up a car after many years.
He has the front hood open, I told him to try to pop out the oil pressure/temp gauge and see if he could get a coat hanger around the little round locking mechanism... would that possible work? I think the rear quarter window rubber is shot.
If UPS brings the correct key tomorrow, and if some previous owner has not changed the door lock, he should be in business to open the door.
I wonder if he could snag the keys from the front seat with a coat hanger through the oil temp gauge hole....
We'll see.
Thanks for the ideas.

[K9Torro]

Hi again,

FORGET trying to turn that lock knob with anything but your hand, it is kinda tight, at least mine is.

Don't know about getting hold of the keys through the front trunk, BY THE WAY , how did you open that from outside the car , did you go up under and trip the release or pull the cable ?

Quarterwindow is your best bet.

Todd

[Brother]

If you are in the front trunk, you might be able to remove on of the heater mixes and physically reach around and unlock the door. Let me see if I have a picture.

[GIBSON]

Paul, good idea. Here's what happened. I have not seen the car since my buddy and I first looked at it but the battery was dead.
When he got if off the truck he put in a new battery. The keys were in the ignition so I doubt he could have locked the passenger door with the keys there. My guess is the Clifford got power from the new battery and locked the doors. Possible?
I can't think of anything else right now. The ignition key and door key match so there is hope that the new key from Porsche will open the door. Now, who says the car will start if the Clifford is
enabled. I hope the previous owner has the keypad sequence
or we could be in trouble. Can the CLifford lock the door with the key in the ignition?

[Brother]

With the heater mixer on the driver's side taken off, you could easily pull the keys out of the ignition. 2 screws are all that hold it in if I remember correctly.

[drsimonwong]

Wait for your new key or the quarter window.

I locked mine in when I had a new alarm system plumbed in. I'd just bought the thing and the PO only had one key. Was at the auto electricians at the time and we tried everything short of breaking glass without luck.

For some reason I had the owner's manual in my house and got a new key made with the code in the book.

Funny thing was that it opened the doors and fitted the glove compartment but would not turn the ignition.

Haven't figured that one out yet.

I have 3 sets of keys now.

Good luck
Simon

[Aussie]

Any ideas on how we might get in? I've heard of the tennis ball routine (cut a small hole in the tennis ball, place it against the keyhole and slam the tennis ball- supposed to open the car...)

Whats this I never heard about tennisballs and locks?

[widebody911]

Hopefully they hurry up with the key - the top is down and it looks like it might start to rain any minute...

[MotoSook]

Originally posted by widebody911
Hopefully they hurry up with the key - the top is down and it looks like it might start to rain any minute...

First laugh of the day...thanks Thom!

[Joe Bob]

Happened to me last year...took me a day to get my blonde wife out.