Bedside toolbox latch stuck??
 

Just drug in a 69 Custom Camper with what appears to be a decent toolbox door. However, I can’t get the door open. The latch feels real loose like nothing is catching and it is not locked. Any ideas on how to open it?

Re: Bedside toolbox latch stuck??
 

That handle does look really nice so be careful to not reef on it a lot as they are easy to bend. The lock looks turned to the locked position I think. Leon can tell you for sure. Are you saving the bed or parting the truck? Unfortunately I don't know of a good way to get it open without some damage. I've cut the tool box liner before to get a door open. I've found that the pawl rusts/sticks in the retainer on the back of the door. The liners are definitely easier to get than a good door.

Re: Bedside toolbox latch stuck??
 

There is no shortage of good fiberglass compartments on trucks that need that door. I would butcher the compartment away to access the latch from the backside

Re: Bedside toolbox latch stuck??
 

I shone a light down into the compartment and the locking mechanism is turned 90 degrees from the pawl - in other words, it's unlocked. you can also see with a light that the housing for the pawl is slightly bent. When the handle is pulled up, there is no resistance, like nothing is catching. I tried to get a few thin screwdrivers down in there to work the inside of the latch, but no luck.

Re: Bedside toolbox latch stuck??
 

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Here is what the back of the lock and latch looks like.

If you can see the latch and the lock pawl is not blocking it you should be able to use a tool with a hook on the end of it to push the latch down and unlock it. I use a long cotter key removal tool. Spray it all with penetrating oil first. I usually drill a 3/4" hole in the bottom of the tub so I can pull the latch down.