Slash,
Your problem lies in the door latch release mechanism. The latch gets "wallered" out over time. They are left and right, so make sure you get a driver side mechanism, not a passenger side. These items often go overlooked. If you can find a 4 door car, get the rear ones, as they tend not be be used as much. Put those in and it should "pop" open like new.
Here is a pic of what I am talking about:
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Pat Brown
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