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1961 Vacuum Door Lock Actuator Location

Started by willits, February 19, 2013, 01:31:12 AM

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willits

Hi All,

     I am installing remote door locks on my 1961 convertible.   I am ready to install the vacuum actuators, but am not fully clear where they mount.  I was hoping it would be one of those situations where there would be 2 unused holes or at least some dimples in the door that were just waiting to accept the actuator. This seems not to be the case. The manual was not much help as there is a diagram, but it doesn’t give any reference to the attaching to the lock or the door. Would anyone by chance have a picture or one mounted or a better diagram of the location and how it is mounted?
Thanks,
Peter
Peter Willits
1958 Coupe DeVille http://bit.ly/1O6BGVu
1961 62 Convertible http://bit.ly/1O6BHst
2008 STS-V http://bit.ly/1O6CI3P

Glen

See if this picture helps.  It is from the Master Parts Book.     
Glen Houlton CLC #727 
CLCMRC benefactor #104

Scot Minesinger

The vacuum door lock info is generally in the 1961 Body by Fisher manual.  It is not that great of a resource, but it may give you an idea.  Another possible source is a salvage yard that has a 1961 Cadillac with power door locks.  You would have to drive there, manage the access to it, look, and take pictures.  Lot of trouble, yes but consider the time involved so far, whereas this would be proof positive.  Our local club is touring USA Parts on March 16, 2013 and they do have a 1961 Cadillac in salvage.  I will see if it has power locks and if we can get a look at it.  I'm going through kind of the same thing installing my 1970 Cadilla trunk pull down.  No good published info, have to examine other similar Cadillacs with this option to install it.

Good luck
Fairfax Station, VA  22039 (Washington DC Sub)
1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1970 four door Convertible w/Cadillac Warranty

willits

Hi Glen & Scot,
   Thanks for the feedback.  The picture helps a little, but I think what I need is a picture of one in a car.  The junkyard idea is a good one, but I am in Prague so it would be a long trip.  I may just end up with the lock and actuator on a bench with my MityVac and see what position makes lock and unlock. 
Peter
Peter Willits
1958 Coupe DeVille http://bit.ly/1O6BGVu
1961 62 Convertible http://bit.ly/1O6BHst
2008 STS-V http://bit.ly/1O6CI3P

quadfins

What time frame are you looking at for your project?

I am waiting for a combination of good weather and available time so that I can replace the outer beltline rubber seals on my '61. When I do that, I'll have the door panels off, and I can take pics of the door lock actuators inside.

I am hoping to have a day of warm weather some time before the end of March, if that won't be too late for you.

Jim
Jim Eccleston
1961 Coupe de Ville
BATILAC
Senior Crown
DeCou Driving Award x 4

quadfins

#5
It looks like I might have a window of good weather this Sunday. If I get to the project, I'll send pics.

In the meantime, I can provide a few more clues...

The actuators are attached inside the doors, on the rear-most edge. If you open the door and look at the edge, you will see two dimples in the sheet metal, a little higher than the skeg line, and just above the rubber pad that serves as the bumper. You will have to drill holes in these dimples (two on each side). The actuators are held in place by two large screws - identical to the ones used to hold the door latch mechanism onto the door pillar. You should see the threaded mounts on the actuators. Mount them, and then you can run the arms from the actuators to the lock mechanisms.

For now, I will attempt to add a pic of my door, to show you where the dimples are. If it does not load to this site, I'll send it to you via direct email.

Jim
Jim Eccleston
1961 Coupe de Ville
BATILAC
Senior Crown
DeCou Driving Award x 4

willits

Hi Jim,
   The picture is a great help.  From the diagram and label of “door inner panel” in the shop manual I was looking at the inside of the panel of the door and not at the door edge.  If the snow lets up here I will go out and check it  over the weekend.  I thought that there must have been dimples for the mounting.  Now I will be looking in the right place.   
Peter

Peter Willits
1958 Coupe DeVille http://bit.ly/1O6BGVu
1961 62 Convertible http://bit.ly/1O6BHst
2008 STS-V http://bit.ly/1O6CI3P

quadfins

#7
Hi Peter,
   This should be the picture you need, combined with the earlier one of the outside of the door. I have two others I'll attempt to send you by email.

BTW, this is inside the passenger door.

Jim
Jim Eccleston
1961 Coupe de Ville
BATILAC
Senior Crown
DeCou Driving Award x 4

willits

Thanks so much Jim.  That is just what I needed.  I now know just how they install and where.  Now all I need is a little decent weather so I can get out to the car.  We had a foot of snow over the weekend, and now its raining.   I've got my fingers crossed for better weather this coming weekend. 
Peter
Peter Willits
1958 Coupe DeVille http://bit.ly/1O6BGVu
1961 62 Convertible http://bit.ly/1O6BHst
2008 STS-V http://bit.ly/1O6CI3P

quadfins

Glad to help.
I hope you get good Cadi-Weather soon.

Jim
Jim Eccleston
1961 Coupe de Ville
BATILAC
Senior Crown
DeCou Driving Award x 4