Zip Dee won't unroll

[gowansg]

The main awning had some unknown problem last time it was out. I thought the spring may have broken. But I did get it to roll up. Now it won't come out to check things.

It is rolled up evenly. The locking lever works. The back seems loose but the front end moves but just barely. I took off the ,Zip Dee end fitting and pulled out the 3/8" bolt but nothing happened so I put it back. I thought about trying to pry things apart but didnt.

Any ideas of where to go from here? Zip Dee company doesn't seem at all helpful other than to say, ",it it won't come down, then the spring isn't broken".

H E L P !

[cliffcharb]

Sounds just like the issue we had. The lock was the culprit. Drill out the rivets of the lock which will allow it to unroll. Zip dee has instructions online, or call them to email instructions. I have always found them to be very helpful. Good luck.

[gowansg]

Zip Dee suggested squirting silicone spray toward the spring. I don't see any openings to do that unless I pry off the end with the locking arm. That looks chancy. Also there don't seem to be any rivets on the front end to drill out.
It appears the only way to get the locking lever out is to drill out the pin on which it hinges. Then maybe it will come out....maybe.
Still need help.
The awning is from 1988, which may be different than others newer models.

[cliffcharb]

http://nebula.wsimg.com/ce342a7041e5...&alloworigin=1