The Glade 4.0

Okay Glade Gearheads and/or 1e AD&D Thief types...

Someone tried to bust into my Ranger and trashed the driver's side door lock. I can only get my key half way in anymore. It's a manual lock...no automatic electronic stuffs to worry about. Is this a D.I.Y. project to fix, or should I just take it to the garage? Or would a locksmith be better?

Advice please!

I'd take it to the garage personally, probably a Ford dealer. Vehicle door locks are so specialized to begin with and it will be expensive no matter what, best to have it from a place you trust.

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The U. S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. B. Franklin

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." -- Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones

What year?

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"Dress cops up as soldiers, give them military equipment, train them in military tactics, tell them they’re fighting a ‘war,’ and the consequences are predictable." —Radley Balko

If the damage is to the lock, you need a locksmith.

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"If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me." - Alice R. Longworth

"Good? Bad? I'm the guy with the gun." - Ash Williams

If you need new parts (and it sounds like you do) take it to the dealer.

Unless you have the tool that takes the door apart, you'll have to be better than I am to take the panel off without breaking a plastic clip or ripping the cardboard or something, so I'd not suggest doing it yourself.

A locksmith might be a help, but I'd personally prefer a mechanic to do the job.

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In time, this too shall pass.

1995.

I found the parts I would need for about 60 bucks, and some online instruction that makes it look a doable do-it-myself project, but Taskiss pretty much echoed my reservations.

I'd give it a shot myself. On a 15 year old truck, without electronics to worry about, I'd open 'er up and have a look see. I've repaired the window track and cable for adjusting the side mirror without damaging the door panel, they've popped off without much trouble.

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"Dress cops up as soldiers, give them military equipment, train them in military tactics, tell them they’re fighting a ‘war,’ and the consequences are predictable." —Radley Balko

Also, at 16 years you aren't voiding a warranty by doing it yourself, though you'll probably get a raised eyebrow or two if they have to repair after you.

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The U. S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. B. Franklin

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." -- Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones

Might save a couple of bucks and you just might learn something in the process

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"Dress cops up as soldiers, give them military equipment, train them in military tactics, tell them they’re fighting a ‘war,’ and the consequences are predictable." —Radley Balko

I've done it before, but it's been so long ago I can't remember the details. I seem to remember the biggest problem for me was actually getting to the lock. I remember having to reach up in a smallish hole in the sheet metal which was just big enough for my hand.

I do remember the metal being sharp, and scraping up my hand/arm really good. You might want to line it with some tape or something to keep it from rubbing as you move your hand about.

Easy cheezy Japanesey. Let me know if you need some detailed help. Ranger locks are a cinch.

I think I'mma gonna give it a shot. Now to procure some parts...

Go to a s rap yard and get yourself a whole new door.

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Ezekiel 23:19-20 

get new locks from a junkyard and install them yourself.