The outside door handle doesn't work now, we took the inside skin off and the rod appears to be moving what it should. But the lock mechanisam doesn't move. Any ideas why?

Well either it's broken, or more than likely it's gummed up. Try spraying it with a penetrating oil and see if you can free it up. Are your hinges good?

Edit to add; try the "search" function, you'll be amazed at what you can find on stuck doors.
seems it's common for the door to be locked when you think it's not due to the rod coming off the mechenisim. I've only had sticky door locks and not a completly stuck one so hopefully somebody else will chime in or you can find an answer in the archives.

[This message has been edited by DLCLK87GT (edited 01-14-2014).]

If I remember correctly, the handle connects to a rod that pushes down on a lever in the latch. If the rod gets bent slightly, it can become too short to push the latch all the way down. I have a car in my garage right now with that issue, but haven't dug into it yet.

Look at the link for outer door panels in my sig, you should be able to figure out why it doesnt work there.

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Where will the road take you today?

Some helpful links I've done
How to remove inner door panels, with pics.
How to remove outer door panels, with pics.
How to make rear coil-overs using factory struts, with pics.
How to remove rear bearing hubs, with pics.
How to modify the stock Fiero radio for MP3 players, with pics.
How to come up with the right coolant hoses for that engine swap...With Pics.
Basic Fiero electrical testing "How To" and equipment...with pics.

I had the "spring" break on my handle and it made opening the door very difficult.

Its either gotten a bent rod (maybe forced when it was frozen), or the rods come out of the clip. My suggestion after 45 years as a body man.