Need to replace Door Handles...
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Need to replace Door Handles...
I recently bought a 1974 Corvette Coup and I am just starting to fix it up. I need to replace the outside door handles and latches because they are broken. Can anyone provide me with the complete information on how to replace them. I really would appreciate any help at all. Thank you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,223
Likes: 666
From: Northeast
Read this:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...pro-vs-gm.html
Then this, click on each pic for the write up:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/index.html
Forum member also suggests removing the 3 screws holding the lock assembly for more room.
Go here and on the bottom right there is a pic of what you are dealing with:
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
Good luck.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...pro-vs-gm.html
Then this, click on each pic for the write up:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/index.html
Forum member also suggests removing the 3 screws holding the lock assembly for more room.
Go here and on the bottom right there is a pic of what you are dealing with:
http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductD...GR-SR&CTitle=&
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Yes, you need to remove the 3 screws that hold the lockplate to the door jamb so that it will drop down and provide adequate access to do work in that area. It will not fall because it has a link that connects it with the latch assembly. But you need to keep it from falling (or remove it) when that link is disassembled.
The process is not difficult, unless you have to change the lock cylinders, too. Getting that 'slider' clip back onto the lock cylinder is a "bear".
If your door assemblies still have those plastic lock guards installed (one screw on the inner door face and another on the door jamb), those screws can get rusted and frozen and very difficult to remove. If you don't want those guards left in there, just drill out the screw heads. If you do want them, use lots of PB Blaster and time to soak.
The process is not difficult, unless you have to change the lock cylinders, too. Getting that 'slider' clip back onto the lock cylinder is a "bear".
If your door assemblies still have those plastic lock guards installed (one screw on the inner door face and another on the door jamb), those screws can get rusted and frozen and very difficult to remove. If you don't want those guards left in there, just drill out the screw heads. If you do want them, use lots of PB Blaster and time to soak.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 15
From: Confusion
Assembly manuals and AIMS are useless when doing mechanical work on a car, they fail to tell you that once you get in the door, (if I remember correctly) the outer stud nut is very difficult to get a wrench on to loosen and then tighten. Manuals and AIMS are good for visual guides, totally useless for mechanical know-how. I did the set in my 69 years ago and bought 4 sets of door handles for future use if needed, but secretly wished I would never have to do it again. A little trick is use your t-shirt over your hand when opening the door, or keep window down and reach in to open door, chrome on handles will stay nice for centuries, and the silver inlay paint won't scratch away from your fingernails!!!
