OK Matthew, this is what I would try. Since you have the door panels off, take off the exterior door handle off. Reach in and unbolt it from the door, there are (2) 7/16 bolts holding it on. When you get it out you will notice that it has a bent rod on the end of the button that pushes against a paddle inside the door when you push in the button. Go back outside and stick a wooden dowel or something in through the larger hole where the paddle is and push the paddle in as far as you can by hand, then give the dowel a tap or 2 with a hammer and try to yank on the door and see if it opens. If this doesn't work, and I'm not saying it's going to, I think Vic Storms idea has merit, although the latch assembly will still have the striker captured. My idea is to push the paddle farther than the button would, in hopes that it will free the mechanism by effectively going into uncharted territory and breaking free the latch. Hope this works, and post your progress, Geof