was able to get the panel off, and all the rods and things inside are moving as they should. Saw some videos and got a new latch, from what I can tell, the moving part connected to the handles isn't engaging the lil metal **** in the lock/latch mechanism that opens the latching part. I can't seem to pull it with a pic or hook either. Any ideas before I take a torch to that lock in an effort to just melt it?

 

I'm pretty sure the general consensus is to use something like an air hammer, or air chisel, to bust the lock up until you can get it open.
The previous owner of my car cut a hole. Like inside and outside right above the sticker plate to get the door open. Don't do that just bust it up from inside the door.

There's a thread in the tech/misc forum about the same issue on a del sol. Check it out.

 

i saw all the posts about drilling, didnt' think about the air chisel/hammer come to think of it, i think mine is smaller than my drill so that might work. just destroy the entire lock mechanism until i can get it off yeah? lemme find that del sol thread

 

That's pretty much what they said just bust it up until it'll open then replace it with a new one

 

Ditto that,^^^ I have done it on more then a few Honda/Acura and other cars, bust it up until you can release it, an air chisel is defiantly the easiest. 94