Series II Stuck door latch

[Avery54]

I am trying to get the rear door latch to open on a 1954 Series II. [frame][/frame]
The top bar will slide back and forth, but the bottom one won't, which from looking at the other door it needs to do to open.

[frame][/frame]

Here's a look at the handle side, partly taken apart. I wonder what that kind of slider looking button is below the handle shaft? It does not want to move either.

When it is put together, then handle will not pull up beyond the horizontal position, although it will go down. From the other side, the handle needs to pull up to disengage the latch.

[mike.perry]

I would for a start suggest removing the trees poking out from under the panel!
Is it a new problem that has suddenly occured? You could try spraying WD40 around the mechanism, if that does not work then you will have to release the bolts holding the locking mechanism in place. Sometimes a bar gets pushed out of line and catches on the window winder mechanism. Do not go sticking your fingers in as several parts have strong springs and sharp edges and will make your eyes water.

[Avery54]

this was an oops!

[Avery54]

Not my car yet, don't know how long the latch has been stuck, could be years.

I think it was parked under a tree, it has leaves and a few twigs in the panel. Might come in handy if stranded in the desert and need some firewood!

I have sprayed wd40 in the mechanism, hasn't helped yet. As you can see in the photos, I took out the two screws near the latch and four screws holding the handle plate in, so far that hasn't helped.

I'm hoping somebody has good knowledge of how the handle and latch mechanisms work. I think the problem is with one or both of them.

[Avery54]

I stuck a screwdrive into the hole showing in the first pic and pried the latch in which opened the door. Now I can check out that side for rust. Guess I just need to put some more wd40 into the latch mechanism and work it back and forth until it's freed.