I have a 1986 Vanagon with manual locks.  My rear hatch door will not unlock. The lock will turn and the center button will depress, but the lock does not engage.

It has worked properly all these years, but became intermittent at unlocking several months ago, and now I cannot get it open at all.  They keys I have are copies--the original VW key has been lost.

I have read all the advice I can find online and the general consensus is to remove the inside decorative panel, take the lock apart, clean and lubricate it and reinstall it.  If none of you has any better advice, can anyone tell me how to remove the panel from inside the van without damaging it?

Thanks!

Sherry