Locking door without the key

[Mothy]

My 83 SC is a USA model imported to Australia and converted from Left to Right hand drive.

Both doors can be locked using the key.

My right door can also be locked by pushing down on the button (or turning the knob) and then closing the door.

But I can't do this on the left door. When the left door is open, you cannot push down on the button or turn the knob to the locked position. My only option is to use the key to lock or wait inside the car till my passenger is out and the door is closed - then I can turn the knob/push the button.

I suspect this is a design to stop the driver locking his keys in the car - but since my left door is no longer the drivers door, it is a pain.

Is there a simple fix to allow the door locks to be enabled when the door is open - just like the right door?

Thanks

Tim

[sc_rufctr]

Tim

I got a second hand set of locks for my 911 from a US wreckers. So I had the same problem as you.

My solution was to fit an alarm with a separate module for locking and unlocking the doors.

The power door lock motors are an after market set available from Jaycar electronics. I got the set designed for a four door because of the extra hardware and the addition of a second trigger motor. It came with rods, screws and flat mounting bars.

It wasn't easy as I had to modify part of the door to make room for the motors.
Plus I had to remove an over centre spring in the US sourced door locks so the motors would work smoothly. If you lived in Adelaide I would help you convert yours.

Please don't ask me for a pic as I would have to take off my door cards to take one.

[geoz]

yes, as you suspected this is a safety precaution to avoid being able to lock yourself out. i remember my mother's veedub did the same thing ... 20 years ago.
not sure though how you can turn it around , i never looked at how it works. i also use my alarm remote to lock the doors, but i have a factory central lock, so i guess it was easier for one of the PO to install it.

cheers

georgie

[RoninLB]

I installed stock power lock mechanicals in door

[JohnJL]

I have pick on the hard drive how to do it with a power locking kit. You need to fab i simple aluminum bracket but it works great. I'll try and revive that hard drive for the pic.

[Mothy]

Thanks for all the replies - looks like you all worked round the issue. I was hoping I could avoid the power locking route.

I wonder if the situation is the opposite for UK or Australian delivered 911's??

Is there something in the left mechanism which I can remove which will make it operate like the right one?

Tim

[3.2 CAB]

I would imagine that the left door lock set-up, from a vehicle that was built as a RHD model, would have the correct lock set-ups on it. Maybe you could locate the correct set from one of the used parts places.

[sc_rufctr]

I'm sure you could modify what you have.

There would be a lockout plate stopping the lock actuating unless the door was latched shut. Just take it out and have a look at how it works.