Doors and Windows - 1972 old plastic door removal - Help!

I have a home that was built in 1972, and I am trying to remove the Acme brand plastic door knobs off the hallway and bathroom doors. The bathroom doors lock by pressing down and twisting. They have a small hole in the center of the knobs on the exterior of the knob. The hallway doors with no lock, do not have this hole. All doors do not have any nooks in the rose that I can pop off.

I tried taking the face plate off first, but they don't come off independently. They seem like they are attached to the latch assembly. I tried just popping off the rose/mounting plate, but since it's plastic it just breaks off.

I looked on the internet if I can find any resemblance to this old door knob and removal, but I'm coming up empty handed. Any help would be appreciated!

Welcome to the forums! Could you post a picture or two on a site such as photobucket.com and copy/paste the IMG code to your reply post. That way we can see what you see. I am sure we can figure out a way for you to remove them with ease.

Thanks, Chandler. I hope there is an easy way to remove these door knobs! I took some photos and posted them on Photobucket. Here is the link:
Door knobs pictures by 3316Hobie - Photobucket (http://s763.photobucket.com/albums/xx279/3316Hobie/Door%20knobs/)

Thanks to those that may have suggestions!

Are you planing to reinstall the locks or just replace them?

Thanks for the question, Ray. I'm going to paint the hollow core doors and replace the door knobs with new ones. If there is an easy procedure to remove the plastic knobs, that's what I'm looking for. I'd rather not saw them off if I can help it. Thanks!

I used to have a home that had those types of door knobs [actually it had plastic, brass and chrome] I replaced them all but that was close to 30 yrs ago and I'm having trouble remembering how they were put together :wall: Have you tried twisting the base of the lockset?

The hole in the middle of the knob is to insert a 'tool' to unlock the door from the other side, no hole needed on a non locking [passage] door.

If you paint those doors, it would be best to first use a solvent based primer [sand first]. That will insure that the paint will adhere to the current finish. You can use any type of enamel over the primer.

Thanks MarkSR. I laughed out loud when I read that you replaced your door knobs 30 yrs ago! We purchased this home for a pretty good deal a few years back, and I am now finally getting around to doing some upgrades.

I tried twisting the lock set, but no dice. I tried using a flat head to pull up the rose, but the plastic shattered to pieces. Not great with a toddler running around.

Hope someone is familiar with these ancient knobs. I'll keep searching for an answer. Thanks!

Thanks for the question, Ray. I'm going to paint the hollow core doors and replace the door knobs with new ones. If there is an easy procedure to remove the plastic knobs, that's what I'm looking for. I'd rather not saw them off if I can help it. Thanks! Then I guess my suggestion of a Sawzall is a no go.:) Seriously though if you cut the knob off of one you may be able to get the rosette of and figure out how to remove the rest correctly.

Ya, that's what I was thinking - if you destroy one removing it, you should be able to figure out how they were installed.

Thanks Mark and Ray. I've searched everywhere on the internet, and have not found an answer on this lovely, plastic door knob, so I will saw off! We'll see if I end up sawing them all off, or if I am able to dissect and see what the heck is going on inside.

I'll be taking the painting recommendation too!