Door lock issue

[Evo1972]

Hi guys, new to the site and new to the world of type 2s. Fully restored a 71 beetle but the camper is all new to me. 1970 lhd westfalia camper.
I have an issue with the drivers side lock. When the door is open I can lock and unlock the door fine but as soon as it is closed and locked with the key I am unable to unlock it. Feels like the key will snap if I apply any more pressure.
Anyone else come across this issue?

 

[RICH-I-AM]

Evening.
Sounds like the catch mechanism needs taking out, cleaning and oiling (and making sure everything moves freely).
I did mine a year or 2 ago and a lot of crap builds up in there over 40+ years.
Worth a shot and its not a hard task to perform.

Rich

 

[mike202]

It could be just dirty, but it sounds like the small spring is missing from the lock. If you checkout my thread page 4 you can see pics of what I did.