914 Doors Stuck Shut (Not the normal way)

[10degnorth]

Just picked up a 73 914 project car... and currently trying to get the doors open. I was able to force the window down and get the Targa top without breaking anything and now have the door panels off.

Neither the outer nor inner door handles will work to actuate the latch. I can see parts moving but am not familiar enough with these latches to know if there is something I can hit or trigger from inside the door to release them. The plastic piece that usually breaks on the outer handles is in tact.

Any tips or ideas for either triggering the latches with access to the back of them or for removing the latches/doors? I will even accept some minimally destructive ideas for getting the doors open.

Thanks!
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1984 Wolfsburg Vanagon (Current Project): https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=773912&highlight=

1988 Microsquirted, Wolfsburg Vanagon (Sold): https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=708000&highlight=

Microsquirt Conversion Guide (Work now Discontinued): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1laXykNPbRYS8MT...2imqd2pnx7

[[email protected]]

the catching mechanisms are probably dirty and not releasing the latch. Since you have the door panels off, spray the latching mechanism from the inside and then work the release rod that goes to the interior door latch