Well I figured out why my back door lower latch wasn't latching. The big hole rusted through the lower door let water and crud in there and rusted the latch mechanism. So I'm going to remove the latch and see about freeing it. Has anybody replaced their lower door skins?

Not me. I will say it a good idea to pop the rear panels and drown your latches with engine oil which will keep them going and prevent rusting up. The lower latch the rod has to come up to release.

I have it soaking.  Fortunately it is stuck in the open position. 

I wasnt so lucky... finally opened my rear drivers door after it hasnt opened in like 5 years.

 

Cut off the bolts to get the door open then cut the lower latch off the nader pin.. kept it just intact enough to figure out why it siezes.. the actual bearclaw latch pivots on the sleeve that the threaded pieces are attached to.  Have photos somewhere... 

 

@Great work!, you said your latch froze on the part inside the door thar the rod connects to?

That's right. It won't latch. I had your problem years ago with the passenger. Side rear. It wouldn't open I had to cut the latch bolts inside the door with a torch.

Go get a Hot Rod. That is wonderful for handling rusted or frozen bolts or nuts.